Palm Beach County News

DUI Saturation Patrol in Boynton Beach Friday night

2010-05-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

DUI Saturation Patrol in Boynton Beach Friday night

Boynton Beach Police Officers will be on the hunt for impaired drivers this Friday night.

The DUI Saturation Patrol will be citywide from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Officers, with assistance from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office DUI and Aggressive Driving Units, will be actively enforcing DUI and Traffic laws.

Watch your speed on Old Boynton Road

Old Boynton Road has re-opened after more than a year of expansion and repairs. But a wider road is not a green light for speeding.

The speed limit on Old Boynton Road from Boynton Beach Boulevard to Congress Avenue is 30 mph, and Boynton Beach Police intend to enforce it.

Message boards and speed trailers have been set up on the roadway to remind motorists of the 30 mph limit. Traffic Officers will be out there strictly enforcing the speed limit. Tickets will be written to motorists who don’t obey the limit.

Police to have zero tolerance for seat belt slackers

Wear your seat belt or Boynton Beach Police will write you a ticket. It’s that simple.

The Boynton Beach Police Department is participating in the national Click It or Ticket campaign, which kicks off May 24 and will be enforced through June 6.

During the enforcement effort, officers will issue seatbelt tickets to motorists throughout the city who are not buckled up.

Click It or Ticket is a cooperative effort of the Florida Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and law enforcement agencies across the state. For more information, log onto www.nhtsa.gov/CIOT.

Respectfully,

Stephanie H. Slater

Public Information Officer

Boca Raton Board Meetings and Events for this Week

2010-05-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony begins at 9:00 am, Monday, May 31,

at the Boca Raton Cemetery

The RECREATOR (May-August)

Board Meetings May 17 to May 21

2010 Goal Setting Workshop – Monday, May 17, 12:00 pm – Municipal Services, First Floor

Community Relations Board – Monday, May 17, 6:00 pm – Police Services, Detectives’ Conf. Rm.

2010 Goal Setting Workshop – Tuesday, May 18, 9:00 am – Municipal Services, First Floor

Historic Preservation Board – Tuesday, May 18, 5:00 pm – City Hall

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, May 18, 7:00 pm – Agenda

2010 Goal Setting Workshop – Wednesday, May 19, 9:00 am – Municipal Services, First Floor

Beautification Committee – Wednesday, May 19, 12:00 pm – City Hall

Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee – Wednesday, May 19, 4:00 pm – City Hall

Airport Authority – Wednesday, May 19, 6:00 pm – Agenda

Public Meeting re: Boca Raton Downtown Library – Wednesday, May 19, 7:00 pm

Mizner Park Cultural Arts Centre

Green Living Task Force – Thursday, May 20, 8:30 am – 6500 Congress Avenue

Planning & Zoning Board – Thursday, May 20, 6:30 pm – City Hall

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Mr. Sand – Saturday, May 22, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Sugar Sand Park

Tapestry Impressions – April 21 – May 30

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

Thursday Movie Classics: The Bad and Beautiful – Thursday, May 20, 7:30 pm

Weekend Program: Underwater Photography – Sunday, May 23, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Sunday Morning Movies: My Dog Skip – Sunday, May 12, 11:00 am

Libraries

DT Drop-In Story Time – Monday, May 17, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SRL TEEN: Rock Band – Tuesday, May 18, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, May 20, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

DT Drop-In Story Time – Saturday, May 22, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

The Swim Center & Meadows Park Pool

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Boca Raton Board Meetings and Events for the Week of May 10-14

2010-05-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony begins at 9:00 am, Monday, May 31,

at the Boca Raton Cemetery

The RECREATOR (May-August)

Board Meetings May 10 to May 14

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) – Monday, May 10, 1:30 pm – Agenda

City Council Workshop Meeting – Monday, May 10, following CRA – Agenda

Financial Advisory Board – Monday, May 10, 5:00 pm, City Hall

Citizen’s Pedestrian and Bikeway Advisory Board – Monday, May 11, 7:30 pm – City Hall

City Council Regular Meeting – Tuesday, May 11, 6:00 pm - Agenda

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, May 11, 7:00 pm - Agenda

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Wetlands Walk – Thursday, May 13, 3:00 pm

Container Gardening – Sunday, May 16, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Tapestry Impressions – April 21 – May 30

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

Theatre: Community Cabaret – Wednesday, May 12, 7:30 pm

Eyes to the Skies! – Friday, May 14, 8:30 pm

Theatre: Hay Fever – Saturday, May 15, 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm / Sunday, May 16, 2:00 pm

Libraries

DT Drop-In Story Time – Monday, May 10, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SRL TEEN: Food for Thought – Tuesday, May 11, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, May 13, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

SRL Art Gallery Grand Opening – Thursday, May 13, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Saturday, May 15, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

The Swim Center & Meadows Park Pool

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Technology Events for June @ your City Library

2010-05-06T04:54:00.001-07:00

Bytes & Bits

Computer Basics Workshops

Sun, Wed 1:30pm-3:30pm

Learn and bring questions about basic mouse and keyboarding skills,

and creating an email account. Computer Lab, registration required.

Life Support Workshops

Tuesdays 1:30pm-3:30pm

Get help filling out online government forms (Medicaid, Food Stamps, Unemployment & more),

job searching online, or creating an effective resume. Staff will be available to assist.

Computer Lab, no registration required.

Bytes & Bits- Where Is It?

Wed, June 2 11:00am-12:00pm

Learn where everything is and where everything goes on your computer.

Computer Lab, registration is required.

Bytes & Bits- Safe & Sound

Sat, June 5 1:30pm-3:30pm

Learn how to clean up your computer’s hard drive and protect your computer from viruses.

Practice workshop immediately following class. Computer lab, registration required.

Excel 1

Mon, June 7 6:00pm-8:00pm

This class covers the basics of Excel 2007 including inserting data, adding formulas,

formatting text and creating charts. Computer lab, registration required.

Tech Talk Tuesdays

Tues, June 8 12:00pm-1:00pm

Join LaShonda as she explores and shares the greatest stuff on the Internet.

Websites, free downloads and more… You never know what she will find!

Intermediate Email

Thurs, June 10 10:00am-11:30am

Learn the basics of email using Safe-mail, a free email system. Learn how to send messages,

use the address book, attach files & protect yourself against unwanted emails. Computer lab, registration required.

Bytes & Bits-

Buying a New Computer

Sat, June 12 1:30pm-3:30pm

Learn what to look for when buying a new computer including the basics of Microsoft Windows 7. Computer Lab, registration required.

Bytes & Bits- Get Personal

Wed, June 16 11:00am-12:00pm

Personalize your computer and make it work the best for you. Computer Lab, registration required.

Microsoft Word 1

Thurs, June 17 10:00am-12:00pm

This intensive class covers the basics of Microsoft Word 2007 and more.

Create documents, use formatting, add images, and more. Computer lab, registration required.

Bytes & Bits - Back It Up

Sat, June 19 1:30pm-3:30pm

Learn why and how to back up your computer to protect your data & files.

Practice workshop immediately following class. Computer lab, registration required.

Learn to Use Craigslist

Sat, June 26 1:30pm-3:30pm

Learn how to use Craigslist, a popular website where you can view or post classified ads for free.

Participants will need an active e-mail account. Practice workshop immediately following.

2nd Floor Computer Lab, registration is required.

Boca Raton Board Meetings May 3 to May 7

2010-05-02T07:05:00.001-07:00

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

Board Meetings May 3 to May 7

Parks & Recreation Board – Tuesday, May 4, 5:15 pm – Downtown Library

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, May 4, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Beautification Committee Landscape Excellence Awards – Wednesday, May 5, 11:00 am – City Hall

Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee – Wednesday, May 5, 4:00 pm – City Hall

Elder Affairs Advisory Board – Wednesday, May 5, 4:00 pm – Police Services

Marine Advisory Board – Wednesday, May 5, 7:00 pm – Municipal Services Complex

Green Living Task Force – Thursday, May 6, 8:30 am – 6500 Congress Avenue

Planning & Zoning Board – Thursday, May 6, 6:30 pm – City Hall

People With Disabilities Board – Thursday, May 6, 7:00 pm – City Hall

Boca Raton Green Market

Special Events

Access the new issue of The RECREATOR (May-August) online OR

pick up a copy at any one of the City’s Community Centers.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Wetlands Walk – Tuesday, May 4, 8:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Solar Science – Friday, May 7, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Turtle Walk Tickets: General Sale – Saturday, May 8, 9:00 am

Nature Craft for Mom – Saturday, May 8, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Tapestry Impressions – April 21 – May 30

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

Sing Song Story Time – Monday, May 3, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Theatre: Hay Fever – Friday and Saturday, May 7 and 8, 8:00 pm / Sunday, May 9, 2:00 pm

Meet the Artist – Saturday, May 8, 11:00 am

Libraries

DT Drop-In Story Time – Monday, May 3, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SRL TEEN: Video Games Galore – Tuesday, May 4, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

DT Cinco de Mayo Make & Take Craft – Wednesday, May 5, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

SRL Cinco de Mayo Make & Take Craft – Wednesday, May 5, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, May 6, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

DT TEEN Movie: Invincible (PG) – Thursday, May 6, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Saturday, May 8, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

The Swim Center & Meadows Park Pool

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Boca Raton Board Meetings April 26 – April 30

2010-04-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

eFlash!

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

Board Meetings April 26 – April 30

Community Redevelopment Agency – Monday, April 26, 1:30 pm – Agenda

City Council Workshop Meeting – Monday, April 26, following CRA meeting – Agenda

City Council Regular Meeting – Tuesday, April 27, 6:00 pm - Agenda

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, April 27, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Special Master Hearing – Wednesday, April 28, 9:00 am – City Hall

Housing Authority – Wednesday, April 28, 5:30 pm – Old Fire Admin. Bldg./ 2333 W. Glades Road

Education Advisory Board – Wednesday, April 28, 6:00 pm – City Hall

Boca Raton Green Market

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Access the new issue of The RECREATOR (May-August) online OR

pick up a copy at any one of the City’s Community Centers.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Boca Beachcombing – Tuesday, April 27, 3:30 pm

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Canoeing the Mangroves – Thursday, April 28, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Turtle Walk Tickets: Members-Only Presale – Saturday, May 1, 9:00 am

Sugar Sand Park

Tapestry Impressions – April 21 – May 30

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

Where’s the Science? Heroes of Science – Saturday, May 1, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm

Where’s the Science? Explorium Special Event – Saturday, May 1, 12:00pm – 4:00 pm

Libraries

DT Drop-In Story Time – Monday, April 26, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SRL TEEN Movie: Monsters vs. Aliens (PG) – Tuesday, April 27, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

SRL TWEEN: Food for Thought – Wednesday, April 28, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, April 29, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

DT Drop-In Story Time: Bi-lingual – Saturday, May 1, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

DT TWEEN Movie: The Rookie (PG) – Saturday, May 1, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

'The Book Thief' chosen as 2010 Read Together book

“Reading it? Everyone in Palm Beach County is reading the same book at the same time… The Book Thief by Markus Zusak…. from March 26 – April 30, 2010. Come get your copy at the library now.”

The Swim Center & Meadows Park Pool

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Free Family Movie Night for Special Needs Families

2010-04-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to attend a FREE Family Movie Night courtesy of the Special Needs Children’s Ministry of Ascension Catholic Church. The Ministry is Inter-denominational and all are welcomed. May 21st @ 7:00 p.m.

PBSO is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two missing persons

2010-04-20T12:24:00.001-07:00

April 20, 2010

For Immediate Release
Contact: Media Relations
688-3080

MEDIA ADVISORY

PBSO is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two missing persons.

#1 W/F REBECCA COLLINS-FISHER D.O.B. 4/21/94 6’1 200
2062 POLO GARDENS DR., WELLINGTON
WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

#2 H/M BRIAN J. ORTIZ-MOLINA D.O.B. 7/2/95 5’10-6’0 AVERAGE BUILD
1571 60TH TERRACE, WPB
WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Both subjects have been entered into NCIC/FCIC (State and National Data Base). They were last seen in the area of Southshore Blvd and Big Blue Trace, Wellington at 7:45am on 4/19/10. Rebecca’s mother advises that she has slight autism but she is fully functional. Brian was reported missing to the PBC School District Police. Anyone with information is asked to call PBSO at 688-3400 or your nearest Law Enforcement agency. See attached photo.

D/S Eric Davis
PBSO Media Relations

OakFest 2010

2010-04-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

In just two short years Oakfest has become the talk of the Treasure Coast and the Palm Beaches with the appearance of 2009 GMA/Dove Award winners DecembeRadio!

Treasure Coast Christian Events, Alpha Ministries & Christian FM 91.9/96.3

have teamed up to bring you OakFest 2010!

Freedom Ranch...., a beautiful 138 acre oak hammock ranch with over 100 acres still in “Old Florida” pristine condition located in Okeechobee County is the home of OakFest 2010.

With over 1200 turn out in their first year, the ranch has all the logistics and comforts in place for concerts and festivals, including an outdoor covered stage for live music as well as scattered picnic tables throughout, under the canopy of beautiful oak and cypress trees. Oakfest 2010 expects to welcome over 3000 festival guests and concert goers to enjoy over 75 vendor booths, exhibits, live music, bounces houses, arena demonstrations, animal exhibits, great food and more....OakFest 2010 is an all day Christian family fun event. The festival will feature live entertainment on Center Stage, a free Children's area over one city block in size including a petting zoo and pony rides.

This year the event made available free exhibitor spaces to community involvement organizations such as the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Dept’s “Eagle Academy” drug prevention program, as well as many community service entities. “ We are very excited about being part of this event as it offers a positive and safe venue for our youth to enjoy. Oakfest allows them to experience fellowship, great music, fun, games and quality time with family.” said Frank Whiting, case manager with PBC Sheriff’s dept and newly appointed director with the Okeechobee County Substance Abuse Coalition.

Oakfest partner’s with many media outlets including Television Stations, Radio Stations and Local Newspapers, some of which will be live on-site throughout the event...The event draws concert goers and participants throughout the Treasure Coast from Palm Beach County to the south, Melbourne to the north and Tampa to the west.... The Festival runs approx 10 acres in size!!! OakFest 2010 is a not for profit event and is dedicated to the ministry of recovery and addictions, and sponsorships are 100% tax deductable. The event provides unparalleled ability to integrate sponsors into the fabric of our community.

For more information, please contact Treasure Coast Christian Events at 772-626-7512 – Website click here

Anticipated turnout: 3000

Date: Saturday April 24th

Time: 10am – 6pm

Tickets: Advance $10 - $15 Gate

Children 12 & Under – FREE

Where: Freedom Ranch 11655 Hwy 441 SE, Okeechobee, Florida 34974

FlyerChristianFm copy.jpg

Map to OakFest

Listen to artist’s samples and see videos here

My Christian Films will be on hand to video tape the event....http://www.mychristianfilms.org/home/

Additional Appearances’ by:

City of David http://www.myspace.com/cityofdavid

Nathan Taylor http://www.nugenworship.com/

Anchored http://www.anchored2rock.com/

The Broken http://www.thebrokenmusic.net

Cadence http://www.myspace.com/cadenceworshipband

CapStone http://www.myspace.com/capstone0828

Wade Williams www.myspace.com/wadewilliamsmusic

In The Walk http://www.myspace.com/inthewalk

County to Hold Open House & Public Hearing April 27 on Pond Cypress Natural Area

2010-04-20T04:59:00.001-07:00

County to Hold Open House & Public Hearing April 27 on Pond Cypress Natural Area Management Plan
For immediate release: April 13, 2010
Contact: Dave Gillings, 233-2477 Environmental Resources Management
The Palm Beach County Natural Areas Management Advisory Committee (NAMAC) will host an open house and public hearing on the draft management plan for the county-managed Pond Cypress Natural Area on Tuesday, April 27, at the Royal Palm Beach Branch County Library located at 500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach. The open house will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will be followed by a public hearing beginning at 7 p.m.

The purpose is to allow residents of Royal Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, The Acreage and other interested citizens to learn about the passive public recreational facilities planned for the site and offer comments on the draft management plan. Copies of the draft management plan, site maps and other displays will be available at the open house for public inspection. Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) staff also will be present to answer questions.

The public hearing will be conducted by the NAMAC chair or a NAMAC representative. The hearing will provide a forum for public comment for those who were not able to attend the open house or who wish to address the committee members directly. NAMAC members will consider comments provided at the open house and public hearing and may recommend revision of the management plan before it is sent to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.

Copies of the draft management plan also will be available for public inspection at the following locations:

Royal Palm Beach Branch County Library, 500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach
Palm Beach County Main Library, 3650 Summit Blvd, West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach Public Library, 411 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach
For more information, please contact Dave Gillings, Environmental Resources Management, at 233-2477.

Don’t Assume Storm Season Will Be Another Breeze

2010-04-20T04:56:00.001-07:00

By Commissioner Jeff Koons
The 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season is expected to be an active one with some experts predicting as many as 15 named storms. We all were thankful for the very light 2009 season -- only two named storms hitting the U.S. and none in Florida. It was, in fact, our least active season since 1997. My concern, however, is that residents may have become complacent, hoping or expecting this season to be just as uneventful.

El Nino Fading
There are a number of weather-related factors that affect storm development, and they are constantly changing. We know that El Nino, for example, the phenomenon that knocked down several Atlantic storms last year, is expected to fade away, resulting in more favorable conditions for storm development.

Prepare Now
As with any storm season, the keys to minimizing deaths and property damage are early planning. Please take the time now to do the following:

write up or revise your emergency plan for you and your family;
update insurance policies and secure important papers in plastic bags and watertight containers;
inspect and repair your storm shutters; check windows, doors and the roof for cracks and leaks;
trim trees and shrubs, and remove excess landscape vegetation around the yard;
check the Surge Area Mapping System (SAMS) at pbcgov.com to see if you live in an evacuation zone;
evaluate whether to stay in your home or leave the area when a storm threatens;
if leaving, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and firm up your out-of-town arrangements;
if staying, start gathering your nonperishable emergency supplies and inspect your safe room;
preregister for the county’s pet-friendly shelter at West Boynton Park: 233-1200;
preregister for the Red Cross special needs shelter at the fairgrounds: 712-6400.
Other Resources
Check out the following Web sites for additional emergency preparation tips or to track storm systems throughout the season:

http://www.pbcgov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement
http://www.floridadisaster.org
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
http://crownweather.com
http://www.wunderground.com/tropical
Earlier Warnings
Thanks to advances in tracking storms and forecasting their projected paths, the National Hurricane Center will announce storm watches and warnings 12 hours earlier than in previous seasons. This gives people more time to prepare and evacuate. What hasn’t improved, though, is the ability to predict the intensity of a storm. A hurricane forecasted to be a Category 1 at landfall can just as easily wind up being a 3 or 4.

Better Communication
Emergency management officials here in Palm Beach County are now using WebEOC, a new communications system designed to increase information sharing with our partners in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. The software allows first responders, hospitals, state agencies and support groups such as the Red Cross to send and receive information during a crisis from any computer with an Internet connection. The system has already been used for disaster drills and to relay data following the Haiti earthquake.

Use Time Wisely
We’re all hoping that once again South Florida will be spared. But the only thing we can really control is our own preparation and being ready to act if a warning is issued. Please make use of the time you have to get everything in order for the months ahead. As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to contact me or my staff at 355-2202.

Missing Adult: Emillie V. Hoyt

2010-04-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Boca Raton Board Meetings April 19 – April 23

2010-04-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

Board Meetings April 19 – April 23

Financial Advisory Board – Monday, April 19, 5:00 pm – City Hall

Community Relations Board – Monday, April 19, 6:00 pm – Police Services

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, April 20, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Beautification Committee – Wednesday, April 21, 12:00 pm – City Hall

Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee – Wednesday, April 21, 4:00 pm

Mizner Park Cultural Arts Centre

Library Advisory Board – Wednesday, April 21, 4:00 pm – Spanish River Library & Community Center

Airport Authority – Wednesday, April 21, 6:00 pm – Agenda

Planning & Zoning Board – Thursday, April 22, 6:30 pm - Agenda

Boca Raton Green Market

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Meeting of the Audubon Society of the Everglades – Tuesday, April 20, 2:00 pm

Flying Fish Kites – Tuesday, April 20, 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Eco-Watch – Wednesday, April 21, 7:00 pm

Blazing Trails – Thursday, April 22, 8:30 am – 9:45 am

Celebrate Earth Day – Thursday, April 22, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Little Wonders – Saturday, April 24, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Everyday Marine Biology – Saturday, April 24, 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Big Wonders – Saturday, April 24, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Seining the Lagoon – Saturday, April 24, 1:00 pm

Eco-Watch – Sunday, April 25, 7:00 pm

Passport to the Past – Sunday, April 25, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Tapestry Impressions – April 21 – May 30

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

Playground Playdate – Thursday, April 22, 1:00 pm

Theatre: 11th Annual Play Reading Festival – Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24, 7:30 pm

Sunday, April 25, 2:00 pm

Weekend Program: Ready, Point, Shoot! – Sunday, April 25, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Sunday Morning Movies: The Little Rascals – Sunday, April 25, 11:00 am

Libraries

DT Drop-In Story Time – Monday, April 19, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SRL TEEN: Rock Band – Tuesday, April 20, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

SRL TWEEN Anime: Club Tokyo MewMew – Wednesday, April 21, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, April 22, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

SRL TEEN/TWEEN Movie: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (PG) – Thursday, April 22, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Saturday, April 24, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Spanish River Sunday Speaker – Sunday, April 25, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

'The Book Thief' chosen as 2010 Read Together book

“Reading it? Everyone in Palm Beach County is reading the same book at the same time… The Book Thief by Markus Zusak…. from March 26 – April 30, 2010. Come get your copy at the library now.”

Access the new issue of The RECREATOR (May-August) on the City of Boca Raton website’s home page….or pick up a copy at any one of the City’s community centers.

The Swim Center & Meadows Park Pool

Patch Reef Tennis Center

BCC Briefs

2010-04-14T06:37:00.001-07:00

At the April 6, 2010, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Fire Rescue – conceptually agreed to place on the August 24 primary ballot a referendum allowing for a one percent sales surtax to fund Palm Beach County Fire Rescue services, in lieu of ad valorem taxes and non-ad valorem assessments. At least six of the 11 municipalities in the county that provide their own fire-rescue services must also agree to the ballot question.

Tax Collector – approved a plan to provide the Palm Beach County Tax Collector with additional space in the South County Administrative Complex to provide driver license services.

ERM – directed Environmental Resources Management (ERM) to erect fencing to shield environmentally sensitive areas from equestrian use along the Northeast Everglades Natural Area (NENA) trail system.

Health Department – received a briefing by Dr. Alina Alonso, director of the Palm Beach County Health Department, on recycled fill material used at construction sites in The Acreage.

Scripps Florida – approved an agreement with Lester Family Investments, L.P. for off-site wetland mitigation activities associated with development of Scripps Florida Phase II on the Briger tract.

Go Green Initiative – approved a contract with Davco Electrical Contractors for $964,000 to replace aging field lighting systems with Green Generation Lighting at Lake Lytal, John Prince and Okeeheelee parks. The new lights, which provide broader coverage and use less electricity, are being paid for with federal stimulus dollars.

Public Safety – approved a $1.198 million contract with Fastrack Management & Consulting to replace the chillers and cooling towers at the Emergency Operations Center with two 200-ton modular chillers and two 200-ton cooling towers in a secured hardened enclosure.

Cooperative Extension – approved a grant agreement with the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau of approximately $25,000 for the 2010 Palm Beach County Sweet Corn Fiesta on April 25.

BBPD Police Beat

2010-04-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

10-017289 1645 hrs Burglary Auto 3200 Old Boynton Rd

Victim returned to vehicle after shopping at Walmart and stated that while she was walking to her vehicle from a distance she saw 2 unknown black males running from the area in which she was parked. Victim advised that the only items missing from the vehicle were misc. unknown compact discs (apprx 25.00).

10-017295 1700 hrs Burglary Residence 504 East Gateway blvd

Victim discovered that a window leading into the N/W side of the residence was opened. This window was closed when she left in the morning. Victim stated that numerous drawers were opened inside her mother's room but is unsure of anything missing due her mother being in Haiti for two weeks. Victim stated the only thing she knows is missing is her Gateway Athlon AMD laptop. Crime scene on the window was negative for latent prints in the area of the window. There is no suspect information.

10-0017303 1841 hrs Resisting Arrest W/O 419 West Ocean Ave

W/F Tammie Bohman was arrested for Obstruction after refusing to comply with Officers orders at the scene of a disturbance. She was processed and released with an NTA.

10-017341 2130 hrs 900 North Railroad Ave Stolen Auto

Victim, B/M James Clemons (DOB 01/05/1965) stated that at approx. 2100 hours, his 1988 silver Mazda B2200 (F/L tag G130AZ) truck ran out of gas at 900 N. Railroad Ave. Clemons locked the car and left it at this location to get gas. Upon return at approx. 2130 hours, Clemons discovered that his vehicle was gone. There is no suspect information and a BOLO was entered into F/NCIC.

Boca RatonBoard Meetings April 12 – April 16

2010-04-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

Board Meetings April 12 – April 16

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) – Monday, April 12, 1:30 pm – Agenda

City Council Workshop – Monday, April 12, following CRA meeting – Agenda

Citizens’ Pedestrian & Bikeway Advisory Board – Monday, April 12, 7:30 pm - City Hall

City Council Meeting – Tuesday, April 13, 6:00 pm – Agenda

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, April 13, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Green Living Task Force – Thursday, April 15, 8:30 am – 6500 Congress Avenue

Builders’ Board of Adjustment – Thursday, April 15, 7:00 pm – City Hall

Boca Raton Green Market

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Peanut Island-A Unique Island Preserve – Thursday, April 15, 9:15 am – 5:00 pm

Wetlands Walk – Thursday, April 15, 3:00 pm

Great American Clean Up – Saturday, April 17, 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Rain Barrel Workshop – Sunday, April 18, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Sugar Sand Park

14th Spring Celebration of High School Art – March 2 – April 17, 2010

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band – Wednesday, April 14, 11:00 am

Thursday Movie Classics: It’s Love I’m After – Thursday, April 15, 7:30 pm

Weekend Program: Ready, Point, Shoot! – Sunday, April 18, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Dance Series ’10: The Agreeable Husband – Sunday, April 18, 2:00 pm

Libraries

DT Drop-In Story Time – Monday, April 12, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SRL TEEN: Food For Thought – Tuesday, April 13, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, April 15, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

DT Special: Paul Anderson Circus Acrobat Show – Friday, April 16, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Saturday, April 17, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

DT TEEN Anime: Club Otaku – Saturday, April 17, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Spanish River Music Series – Sunday, April 18, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

'The Book Thief' chosen as 2010 Read Together book

“Reading it? Everyone in Palm Beach County is reading the same book at the same time… The Book Thief by Markus Zusak…. from March 26 – April 30, 2010. Come get your copy at the library now.”

The Swim Center & Meadows Park Pool

Patch Reef Tennis Center

possible abduction of a 4 or 5-year-old white female

2010-04-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Police are working the possible abduction of a 4 or 5-year-old white female from a bus stop near the 1600 block of SW 8th Street this morning.

Here is what we know at this point:

The call came in at 7:28 a.m. of a white male who approached the girl at the bus stop. She got into his white Nissan Armata SUV with silver striping and silver trim.

The male is described as being in his mid 40’s with light color hair, thin/balding on top. He was wearing blue pants and a gray T-shirt with pink lettering on the back.

The girl was wearing pink shorts and a white top with possibly spaghettis straps and pink flowers on the shirt.

Police are currently talking to schools/parents to find out if any children are absent today – and if so, are they legitimately absent. FDLE is issuing an amber alert. We have issued a reverse 911 for neighborhoods in the area.

Anyone with information is urged to call Sgt. Thomas Wallace at 742-6126 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS.

That is all the information I can provide right now.

Attached is a sketch of the man the witness said she saw get out of the white newer model SUV (best described as a Nissan Armada with silver striping and silver trim).

At this point: We are still trying to locate a parent of a missing child and identify a victim. We are going door to door in neighborhoods, checking with every school in the area (pre-schools, elementary schools), we’ve issued an Amber Alert and a reverse 911.

The media’s consistent airing of this information is CRUCIAL to us identifying a victim and locating a parent.

Please make sure your facts are accurate. CALL ME if you have any questions and I will do my best to answer them.

Again: the girl is believed to be 4-5 years old, white female wearing pink shorts and a white top with possible spaghetti straps and pink flowers on the shirt.

The man is believed to be in his mid 40s with light color hair, thin/balding on top. He was wearing blue pants and a gray T-shirt with pink lettering on the back.

Anyone with information is urged to call Sgt. Thomas Wallace at 561-742-6126 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS.

La Reina Supermarkets to bring 90 job opportunities

2010-04-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

Press Release
Contact: Claudia Ruiz Levy
CRL Media Advertising & PR
561.686.7849 Office
561.541.0582 Cell
info@crlmediaadvertising.com

La Reina Supermarkets to bring 90 job opportunities
to Greenacres

Store will host a job fair this Saturday April 10

Lake Worth - La Reina Supermarkets has opened the hiring process for its newest Greenacres-area location, bringing 90 job opportunities to Palm Beach County. La Reina new Greenacres store, located at 5851 Lake Worth Road is scheduled to open in early May.

In preparation for the new store opening La Reina will host a job fair this Saturday April 10 from 10 am to 4 pm at the new location in Greenacres. Company officials will take applications for all full- and part-time positions.

La Reina has 90 openings for waiters, cashiers, customer service staff, stocking personnel, butchers, chefs, bakers, deli staff, pastry chefs and warehouse staff.

"We are very excited to open this beautiful store in Greenacres" said Luban Quiceno, general manager of La Reina. "This is a great community and we are thrilled that La Reina can provide so many job opportunities to the Greenacres community during these tough times" he added.

La Reina is a unique supermarket that combines the everyday groceries store guests need with the specialty Hispanic items. The 28,500 square-foot Greenacres store boasts many convenient attributes that current La Reina guests love, including a restaurant seating area, an expanded deli department, gourmet and custom-cut meats and a tortilla station.

The first La Reina Supermarket store opened in Lake Worth in 2000 with a 4,000 square-foot store and moved in 2005 to a 30,000 square foot store at its actual location in the corner of Congress and 10th Avenue.

About La Reina Supermarkets

Now in its 10th year of operation, La Reina Supermarket is a Florida-base family-owned grocery store. La Reina supermarket #1 is located at 3403 A. South Congress Avenue, Lake Worth (SW. corner of de Congress & 10 Avenue North).
The brand new La Reina Supermarket #2 is located at 5851 Lake Worth Road, FL 33463 Woodlake Plaza (Lake Worth Road & Sherwood Forest Blvd)
Phone (561) 963-1110.

La Reina stores are members of IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance)

####

May Events at Your West Palm Beach Library

2010-04-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

West Palm Beach Public Library

411 Clematis Street

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

561-868-7703

www.mycitylibrary.org

Technology Events for May:

Bytes & Bits; Computer Basics Workshops Sun, Wed 1:30pm-3:30pm

Learn and bring questions about basic mouse and keyboarding skills, and creating an email account.

Computer Lab, registration required.

Life Support Workshops Tuesdays 1:30pm-3:30pm

Get help filling out online government forms (Medicaid, Food Stamps, Unemployment & more),

job searching online, or creating an effective resume. Staff will be available to assist.

Computer Lab, no registration required.

Bytes & Bits- Safe & Sound Sat, May 1 1:30pm-3:30pm

Learn how to clean up your computer’s hard drive and protect your computer from viruses.

Practice workshop immediately following class. Computer lab, registration required.

Tech Talk Tuesdays Tues, May 4 12:00pm-1:00pm

Join LaShonda as she explores and shares the greatest stuff on the Internet.

Websites, free downloads and more… You never know what she will find!

Bytes & Bits- Where Is It? Wed, May 5 11:00am-12:00pm

Learn where everything is and where everything goes on your computer.

Computer Lab, registration is required.

Excel 1&2 Thurs, May 6 10:00am-3:00pm

This intensive class covers the basics of Microsoft Excel 2007 and more.

Learn how to insert data, add formulas, format text and create charts.

A lunch break will be provided from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Computer lab, registration required.

Bytes & Bits-Buying a New Computer Sat, May 8 1:30pm-3:00pm

Learn the lingo and what to look for when buying a new computer.

Computer Lab, registration required.

Intro to PowerPoint Wed, May 12 10:00am-12:00pm

Create a slide presentation that includes charts, graphs, animation, and slide transitions using PowerPoint 2007.

Learn how to save and the different ways to print. Computer lab, registration required.

Basic Internet 1 Thurs, May 13 10:00am-12:00pm

If you're new to the internet, this class is for you!

This class offers participants a general introduction to the Internet and

how to connect to it. Computer lab, registration required.

Bytes & Bits-Back It Up Sat, May 15 1:30pm-3:30pm

Learn why and how to back up your computer to protect your data & files.

Practice workshop immediately following class. Computer lab, registration required.

Microsoft Word 1 Mon, May 17 6:00pm-8:00pm

Create documents, use formatting, add images, and more using Microsoft Word 2007.

This intensive class will teach you everything you need to get started.

Computer lab, registration is required.

Bytes & Bits- Get Personal Wed, May 19 11:00am-12:00pm

Personalize your computer and make it work the best for you.

Computer Lab, registration required.

Basic Internet 2 Thurs, May 20 10:00am-12:00pm

This class is a follow-up to Basic Internet 1. Patrons will learn how to effectively search the internet

using a variety of search engines. Computer lab, registration required. Prerequisite: Basic Internet 1

Learn to Use Craigslist Sat, May 22 1:30pm-3:30pm

Learn how to use Craigslist, a popular website where you can view or post classified ads for free.

Participants will need an active e-mail account. Practice workshop immediately following.

2nd Floor Computer Lab, registration is required.

Excel 1 Sat, May 29 1:30pm-3:00pm

This class covers the basics of Excel 2007 including inserting data, adding formulas,

formatting text and creating charts. Computer lab, registration required.

Jeanne Taylor, Librarian

West Palm Beach Public Library

411 Clematis Street

West Palm Beach, FL. 33401

(Phone)561-868-7788

Art Deco First Wednesdays 2010

2010-04-03T05:39:00.001-07:00

For Immediate Release

Contact Person Sharon Koskoff 561 699-7899 Cell

First Wednesday Evenings of Jan, Feb, Mar, & April

Wed. April 7, 2010

Free Lecture Series

Historic Art Deco Armory Art Center

1700 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL

7 p.m. / Free Parking / Free Refreshments

April 7 ~ Art Deco New Orleans: Still Standing After Katrina
By Sharon Koskoff / Author - Art Deco of the Palm Beaches

Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches President Sharon Koskoff will present an enthusiastic power point presentation on the Art Deco architecture discovered and identified in New Orleans during her trip last month to the “Mardi Gras” festivities. Koskoff found dozens of structures in need of preservation and/or restoration in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Still Standing will educate the public on the modern treasures found in New Orleans as it compares to the
Art Deco structures found in our Palm Beach County.

Still Standing After Katrina is the fourth and final lecture of the

Art Deco First Wednesday lecture series. It will take place at the historic Art Deco Armory Art Center, 1700 Lake Avenue, West Palm Beach at 7 p.m. on April 7th. Free Admission. Free Refreshments served. For more info contact 561 276-9925 or visit ArtDecoPB.org

Email: ArtDecoPB@comcast.net

The ADSPB is a not for profit historic preservation organization.

Sharon KoskoffPresident ADSPBArtDecoPB.org

Boca Raton Board Meetings and Events for the Week of April 5

2010-04-03T05:26:00.000-07:00

Board Meetings April 5 – April 9

Parks & Recreation Board – Tuesday, April 6, 5:15 pm, Red Reef Park Pavilion

1400 N State Road A1A

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, April 6, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Beautification Committee – Wednesday, April 7, 12:00 pm – City Hall

Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee – Wednesday, April 7, 4:00 pm

Mizner Park Cultural Arts Centre

201 Plaza Real

Elder Affairs Advisory Board – Wednesday, April 7, 4:00 pm – Police Services

Marine Advisory Board – Wednesday, April 7, 7:00 pm – Municipal Services Complex

Zoning Board of Adjustment – Wednesday, April 7, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Planning & Zoning Board – Thursday, April 8, 6:30 pm – Agenda

Boca Raton Green Market

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Wetlands Walk – Tuesday, April 6, 8:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Bird Walk – Saturday, April 10, 9:00 am – 11:00 am

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Saturday, April 10, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Green Turtle Gallop – Sunday, April 11, 7:15 am

Sugar Sand Park

14th Spring Celebration of High School Art – March 2 – April 17, 2010

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

Sing Song Story Time – Monday, April 5, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Eyes to the Sky – Friday, April 9, 8:15 pm

Libraries

DT Drop-In Story Time – Monday, April 5, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SRL TEEN: Video Games Galore – Tuesday, April 6, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, April 8, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

SRL Thursday Book Club – Thursday, April 8, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

DT Special: Paul Anderson Circus Acrobat Show – Friday, April 9, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

'The Book Thief' chosen as 2010 Read Together book

“Reading it? Everyone in Palm Beach County is reading the same book at the same time… The Book Thief by Markus Zusak…. from March 26 – April 30, 2010. Come get your copy at the library now.”

The Swim Center & Meadows Park Pool

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Fair Housing Law Symposium to Feature Florida Supreme Court Justice Perry

2010-03-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

For immediate release: March 24, 2010
Contact: Pamela Guerrier 561-355-2558
To help raise public awareness of local, state and national fair housing laws’ success in eliminating housing discrimination, the Palm Beach County Office of Equal Opportunity and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. will present a two-day Fair Housing Law Symposium on April 22 and 23 at the West Palm Beach Marriott.

Florida Supreme Court Justice James E. C. Perry will give the keynote address during a luncheon on Friday, April 23. Prior to his appointment to the Florida Supreme Court, Justice Perry served as a judge in the 18th Judicial Circuit and was chief judge from 2003-2005.

The keynote speaker at the Thursday, April 22, luncheon will be Elisabeth Omilami, daughter of civil rights activist Dr. Hosea and state Rep. Juanita T. Williams. Ms. Omilami and her husband, Afemo, are directors of the Atlanta-based nonprofit, “Hosea Feed the Hungry.” She is an actress and playwright, having appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including The Blind Side.

The Fair Housing Law Symposium will be presented by nationally recognized members of the John Marshall Law School Fair Housing Law Clinic in Chicago. Professors Michael P. Seng, Allison Bethel and Damian Ortiz will present an extensive training program on cutting-edge issues related to fair housing law and enforcement. Michael Allen, Esq., of the civil rights law firm Relman & Dane, PLLC, in Washington, D.C., will conclude the symposium with a presentation on litigation under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The symposium is intended for attorneys, judges, and real estate and fair housing professionals. It will include coverage of the Fair Housing Act, prohibited practices and theories of liability, rights of persons with disabilities, remedies, attorneys’ fees, and the relationship between fair housing laws and other statutes.

The event will take place Thursday and Friday, April 22 and 23, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the West Palm Beach Marriott Hotel, 1001 Okeechobee Blvd. Admission to the sessions and luncheon are free, but preregistration is required. The deadline to register is April 15.

April marks the 42nd anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Law, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status and handicap and encouraging fair housing opportunities for all citizens. Additionally, Palm Beach County’s Fair Housing Ordinance prohibits discrimination based on age, marital status, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.

For more information, please contact Pamela Guerrier, 355-2558, pguerrie@pbcgov.org.

Call to Palm Beach County Artists “Nocturnal Nuances” at PBIA

2010-03-25T04:08:00.001-07:00

For immediate release: March 24, 2010
Contact: Elayna Toby Singer (561) 233-0235
Deadline for Entry: April 20, 2010 $10 Application Fee
Artists, do you want your work to receive broad exposure and possibly sell?

If so, enter your artwork for exhibition at one of the county’s most visited locations.

Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places Program is issuing a call to visual artists who reside in Palm Beach County to submit artwork to be considered for a four-month exhibition at the Palm Beach International Airport. Exhibition dates are April 26, 2010 – August 25, 2010.

For the spring/summer 2010 exhibition “Nocturnal Nuances,” Palm Beach County Art in Public Places is seeking artworks that feature the local happenings that come to life after sunset. From downtown city scenes to serene moonlit moments, this exhibition highlights Palm Beach County after dark!

Artists may obtain a copy of the Call to Artists:

At http://pbcgov.com/fdo/art/calls.htm
By sending an e-mail request to esinger@pbcgov.org
By sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Palm Beach County Art in Public Places, 2633 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach, FL 33411.

BCC Briefs from Mar 23

2010-03-24T04:47:00.000-07:00

BCC Briefs
At the March 23, 2010, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Tax Collector – postponed to the April 6 meeting approval of a lease agreement with Larise Atlantis, Inc. for a new Lantana Tax Collector Service Center to replace the Lake Worth branch.

Audit Committee – adopted an ordinance replacing the current members of the Internal Audit Committee with five private citizens appointed by the BCC.

Economic Development – approved creation of an economic development specialist with the Office of Economic Development. The grant-funded position will terminate upon exhaustion of federal funds appropriated under the U.S. Department of Energy, unless other grant funding is identified.

Housing & Community Development – approved the creation of eight fulltime, grant-funded positions in the Dept. of Housing and Community Development for implementation and administration of the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2. Each position will terminate upon exhaustion of the $50 million NSP2 grant.

HUD - conceptually approved a Section 108 Loan program agreement of $5.947 million with Oxygen Development, LLC, contingent upon approval by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The manufacturing company is building a new plant in Palm Springs that will create 400 new fulltime jobs. These federal funds require no local match.

Financially Assisted Agencies – approved a request for proposal (RFP) process for funding financially assisted agencies for FY-2011. The RFP will include the following service categories: domestic abuse/sheltering, economic stability/poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, mental health, senior services, special needs/developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and youth violence/diversion

Parks & Recreation – approved the reallocation of a total of $800,000 from the 2002 Recreational and Cultural Facilities Bond referendum for an arts center in West Palm Beach.

GIS – accepted a grant award of $249,865 from the U.S. Geological Survey to provide digital ortho mapping by mid-2011.

Water Utilities – approved an ordinance amending the schedule of rates for reclaimed water produced at the East Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility that can be provided to potential customers on an uninterrupted basis; also adopted a resolution confirming a special assessment for installation of a water main for 77 property owners in the Tierra Del-Rey development.

Census 2010 – received a progress report from the county’s Census 2010 Executive Steering Committee on local efforts to ensure an accurate count.

April Events and Programs at the West Palm Beach Public Library

2010-03-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

West Palm Beach Public Library

411 Clematis Street

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

561-868-7700

www.mycitylibrary.org

April Events for Adults, Teen & Children @ your City Library

April Adult Events:

Monday Night Movies @ your city Library

Monday, April 5 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Come join us every Monday night for a free movie! Auditorium.

The Blind Side – PG13 - The remarkable true story of Michael Oher,

a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys,

a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time,

Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own.

Wii Bowling Senior Tournament

Mondays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 2:00 to 3:30 pm

Come out and compete in our Wii Senior Bowling Tournament! Get some exercise,

have fun, and win a prize! Sponsored by a Quantum Foundation grant. Auditorium.

Spanish Conversation Group for Beginners

Mondays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Have you always wanted to learn Spanish? Now is your chance!

This beginner group, led by Oscar Castañeda, gives you an opportunity to practice

what you have learned in a conversational setting. Third floor Iris Room.

Meditation Class

Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Learn the tools necessary to begin and sustain a meditation practice

in the tradition of calm abiding will be presented: good sitting posture,

how to relate to the breath, and what to do when thoughts come up, and more.

Each class will begin with meditation instruction followed by group reading and

discussion about a selected topic.

April’s book is Ruling Your World by the Sakyong, Mipham Rinpoche. Auditorium.

Learn Beginning French

Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Are you interested in learning the French language? Join instructor Natacha as she teaches

you the basics of French grammar in a fun and interactive way! Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Pilates @ your City Library

Thursdays, April 1, 8, 15, 29 10:30 to 11:30 am

Bring your mat and practice your pilates at the library!

Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

Argentine Tango

Thursdays, April 1, 15, 29 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Learn the Argentine Tango @ your City Library with George

from Exclusively Argentine Tango at George’s! Pre-function Lobby.

Yoga @ your City Library

Thursdays, April 1, 8, 22, 29 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Bring your mat and practice your yoga @ your City Library!

Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

Beginning Tai-chi @ your City Library

Fridays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 10:30 to 11:30 am

Join Bill Ram-Z as he teaches you the exercise of tai-chi.

Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

First Aid for Home Owners & Buyers

Saturday, April 3 noon to 2:00 pm

Are you overwhelmed and underwater in your current mortgage?

Looking to buy a foreclosure or short sale? Whether you are in a home or

want to buy a home, you need to know your options. Join Randy Bianchi

from Paradise Properties and other guest speakers for this exciting lecture

and bring your questions! Clematis Room.

Yoga @ your City Library

Saturdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24 10:30 to 11:30 am

Bring your mat and practice your yoga at the library!

Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

How to Get the Best Long Term Care and Pay for it without Going Broke

Friday, April 9 2:00 to 4:00 pm

The laws of asset protection and long term planning have recently changed to your advantage.

Shalloway and Shalloway will explain how to get the care you want for your loved one

without worrying about the expense. Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Second Saturday Book Club

Saturday, April 10 10:30 am to noon

Join the Book Club on the Third floor Hibiscus Room for a lively discussion

of selected books. This month’s title is I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith.

Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Live Argentine Tango Performance!

Sunday, April 11 2:00 to 3:30 pm

Come out on Sunday afternoon and join us for beautiful Argentine tango performances.

Both traditional and modern tango will be presented. Auditorium.

Book Talk

Thursday, April 15 12:15 to 12:45 pm

Join us every third Thursday for book discussions on selected topics.

This month’s topic is April in Paris: An armchair tour of the City of Lights.

Third floor Hibiscus Room

Amigos de Nuestra Literatura

Saturday, April 17 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

The Spanish book club meets on the third Saturday of every month.

This month’s novel is Farabeuf, by Salvador Elizondo. Third floor Iris Room.

iCinema: independent and international films @ your city library

Sunday, April 18 2:00 to 3:30 pm

Come out and watch the film Aura. A quiet, cynic taxidermist, who suffers epilepsy attacks,

is obsessed with committing the perfect crime. After he is invited on a hunting trip away from his home,

an accident give him the chance of his life: the possibility to commit the perfect crime

he has been waiting for. Rated NR. iCinema films are intended for mature audiences. Auditorium.

Re-stringing for Earth Day – Make and Take Necklace

Thursday, April 22 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Join Bring in your string of beads that have come apart and the Bead Girls

will help you create a new necklace! We will provide the supplies and some extra beads.

Sharing is encouraged! Class size is limited to 24, so please register in advance to

ensure a space. Clematis Room.

Just for Mystery Lovers Book Club

Saturday, April 24 10:30 to 12:00 pm

Join mystery lovers to discuss a mystery that will leave you intrigued.

This month’s novel is Winter and Night by SJ Rozan. Third floor Iris Room.

“Chinese Corner”

Sponsored by the US-China Peoples Friendship Association Palm Beach Chapter

Sunday, April 25 2:00-4:00pm

The Palm Beach County “Chinese Corner”, modeled after the famous “English Corners”

in China, provides an opportunity to meet other students of the language and

native-speakers to practice conversational Chinese at any level.

To be held the last Sunday of each month. Third floor Hibiscus Room.

________________________________________________________________

April Teen Events @ your City Library

Cool-Off Cinema

Every Wednesday(except 4/28)

4:00-6:00pm

Chill-lax with some cool films! Teen Choice: U Pic the Flic! 2nd Floor

Break Bonanza

Thursday, Apr. 1, 3:30-5:00pm

Teens, take time out of your “busy” spring break schedule to do

some cool crafts and exciting experiments. Teen Area

Oh My Gaming!

Saturday, Apr. 10, 2:00-4:00pm

We're playing video games at the library. Need I say more? Teen Area

Monday Night Movies

Monday, Apr. 12, 6:00 pm

Twilight Saga, New Moon

Bella Swan is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love,

Edward Cullen, but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with

the irresistible Jacob Black. Suddenly she is drawn into the world of the werewolves,

ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested. Teen Area (PG-13).

College Prep Workshop Series

Saturday Apr. 17, 12:30-4:30pm

Full-Length SAT Practice Test

A fully-proctored practice SAT (~4 hours) will show teens what to expect in a test-like environment.

Teens will receive a comprehensive analysis of their performance on the test, detailing

individual strengths and weaknesses. Space is limited.

Register at http://www.kaptest.com/enroll/SAT/33401/events or by calling 1-800-KAPTEST (527-8378).

Auditorium

College Prep Workshop Series

Wednesday, Apr. 21, 6:00-8:00pm

Test Strategies 101 Workshop

There are two parts to this workshop for teens. During part one the results of the practice SAT

will be given out and discussed. Part two will be the Test Strategies 101 workshop, where parents

and students can learn how to score higher on the SAT using key Kaplan strategies.

The format and content of the test are covered, including ways to take advantage of the test format

to maximize efficiency on the exam. Various question types are reviewed and answered

and students and parents are given a study plan for success. 3rd Floor Meeting Room

Rise Out Loud!

Thursday, Apr. 22, 6:00-8:00pm

Writing and Performance Workshops for Teens!

Join slam poet and educator Casandra Tanenbaum, and special guest performers

for monthly workshops to train your performances for all audiences

and occasions: from the recording studio to the big stage!

Workshops incorporate visioning and creative writing exercises and instruction,

vocal training and presentation skill development. Also, learn ‘poetry slam tips

and techniques’ from the pros, and create a range of solo and ensemble performances

to beef up your college portfolios! Computer Lab

Rise Out Loud!

Saturday, Apr. 24, 1:00-3:00pm

Writing and Performance Workshops for Teens!

Join slam poet and educator Casandra Tanenbaum, and special guest performers

for monthly workshops to train your performances for all audiences and occasions:

from the recording studio to the big stage!

Workshops incorporate visioning and creative writing exercises and instruction,

vocal training and presentation skill development. Also, learn ‘poetry slam tips

and techniques’ from the pros, and create a range of solo and ensemble performances

to beef up your college portfolios! Hibiscus Room

Picture Perfect

Wednesday, Apr. 28, 4:00-5:30pm

Teens learn how to edit and create cool effects with your digital photos using Picasa. Computer Lab

_____________________________________________________________________________________

April Children’s Events @ your City Library

Story Times @ your City Library

Preschool Story Time / Creative Movement Class

Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27

10:30 am & 2:00 pm

Get moving with your preschooler and our guest certified yoga instructor!

Registration required. Sponsored by the Quantum Foundation. KidSpace

Toddler Story Time / Creative Movement Class

Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21 and 28

10:30 am & 2:00 pm

Get moving with your toddler and our guest certified yoga instructor!

Registration required. Sponsored by the Quantum Foundation. Ages: 2 and 3 years.

Kid Space.

Baby Story Time / Creative movement

Fridays, April 9, 16, 23 and 30

10:30 am & 2:00 pm

Get moving with your baby and our guest certified yoga instructor!

Registration required. Ages: babies, 12-24 months.

Sponsored by the Quantum Foundation. KidSpace.

Homework Help Tuesdays

Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Get help with your school work on Tuesdays! Ages: Grades 1 - 5

Children’s Small Program Space.

Saturday Kids’ Club

Saturdays: April 10

2:00 pm

Read, laugh & play! Stop by “KidSpace’ to check-out the book and register!

For kids K – 1st Grade. Children’s Program Space

Sundays @ 2 for families

Sundays: April 11

2:00 pm

Earth Day, Every Day!

Connie Christman from the Resource Depot will provide families with plenty of “junk”

to create earth-friendly sculptures to take home! This fun, interactive program is free!

Children’s Program Space.

Dog Tales

Meet our specially trained therapy dogs who will ‘listen’ to your child read!

Awesome for reluctant readers or for kids who just love reading and love dogs!

Dog Tales Schedule:

Sittin’ with Shirl

Mondays, April 19 & 26

3:30-4:30 pm

Reading with Rex

Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27

3:30-4:30 pm

Hangin’ with Harry

Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21 & 28

4:00 – 5:00 pm

Tutoring with Taylor & Oliver

Saturdays, April 10 & 17

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Library’s 1st Birthday Bash!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

2:00 – 4:00

Join us and Curious George for our library’s 1 year birthday party!

Birthday cake, balloon animals and tons of fun!

Sponsored by the Friends of the West Palm Beach Public Library

Peter and the Wolf ballet for families

Sunday: April 18

2:00 pm

Dance Florida Academy will perform vignettes from the classic ballet, Peter and the Wolf.

This ballet program is suited for families and all ages! Free!

City Center Courtyard.

Monday Night Movie

Monday, April 19

6:00 pm

Join us for the movie, Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on the

children’s book, by author, Roald Dahl.

Free! KidSpace (Rated PG)

Got Game?

Thursday, April 22

2:00- 4:00 pm

We do! Join us for an afternoon of drawing your own video game character

and playing Wii video games! Healthy snacks will be provided. KidSpace

_________________________________________

County Uses Social Media to Quickly and Cost Effectively Connect with Constituents

2010-03-04T04:24:00.000-08:00

The county is progressively involved in establishing communication outlets that will best serve the community by providing up-to-date information in a quick and cost-effective manner. In today’s world, with newspaper readership at an all-time low, Internet social networking sites are quickly becoming the most effective means of communication for any organization, including the government. As a result of this, the Public Affairs Department has implemented several social media applications on its homepage (www.pbcgov.com).

Currently, the county has an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) news feeds with breaking news items in the form of a simple list that is automatically downloaded to your computer or handheld device (http://pbcgov.com/newsroom/rss/feeds/headlines.xml).

A Twitter (http://twitter.com/pbcgov) account has been established and is being used to transmit (tweet) our press releases and Channel 20 video releases to media, government and citizen subscribers.

In addition, a YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/pbcgov20) has also been established and is being used to post videos with information on county programs and services. Recent programming included the Justice Academy, Census 2010 and hurricane preparedness.

These efforts were researched and created by Public Affairs with assistance from the county’s Information Systems Services (ISS) Department. The second phase of implementation will include a Facebook fan page with county news, events and information as well as a partnership with YourPBC.org, a blogging site for civically engaged organizations.

The county will continue to assess and improve its communication efforts with the public. A main objective is to maximize Internet, print and broadcast information to inform residents about Palm Beach County government services at the lowest cost to the taxpayer.

Please contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have any comments and/or suggestions. I can be contacted at sabrams@pbcgov.org or at my office at 561-355-2204 (West Palm Beach) or 561-276-1220 (Delray Beach). Please visit my Web site at http://www.pbcgov.com/countycommissioners/district4/ for updates and links to county divisions and other governmental agencies.

West Palm Beach City Library Upcoming Events

2010-03-03T04:18:00.001-08:00

BCC Briefs from Feb 23

2010-02-25T05:07:00.001-08:00

BCC Briefs
At the February 23, 2010, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

HUD grant – accepted a grant award of $50 million in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Legislative Affairs – approved the county’s proposed FY-2011 federal legislative agenda including priority appropriations and legislative issues, and general appropriation and general issues to be monitored.

Inspector General – adopted a policy for implementation of an Inspector General fee for various types of procurements.

Property Review Committee – approved creation of a volunteer Palm Beach County Property Review Committee to review, evaluate and advise the board regarding real estate transactions, including the purchase, sale or exchange of property.

Bond counsel – approved an agreement with the firm Ruden McClosky to provide bond counsel services for financing related to site acquisition for the proposed convention center hotel.

Water Utilities – approved on preliminary reading and to advertise for public hearing on March 23 an ordinance amending the schedule of rates for reclaimed water produced at the East Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility that can be provided to potential customers on an uninterrupted basis.

Jupiter annexations – approved an interlocal agreement with the Town of Jupiter for the annexation of five enclaves generally located north of Indiantown Road, east of North Central Blvd., south of the Loxahatchee River and west of Center Street.

Panhandlers – agreed to place on a future agenda discussion of a policy that would ban using county-owned medians and rights of way to solicit donations.

ERM Volunteers Remove 16 Tons of Trash, Plant 14,000 Native Plants, and Save PBC $64,000

2010-02-25T05:05:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: February 23, 2010
Contact: Ann Mathews, 561-233-2426
The numbers have been crunched and the results are outstanding. Volunteers with the Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) donated 5,708 hours to preserving our environment during 2009. This is an equivalent savings to the county of $64,300*.

More than 2,700 volunteers worked on 83 habitat restoration projects in natural areas and restoration areas throughout Palm Beach County. They removed more than 33,000 pounds of trash and invasive exotic plants from woods and scrublands and along the Intracoastal Waterway. The trash varied in size from golf balls and aluminum cans to refrigerators and washing machines.

Volunteers planted 10,300 freshwater wetland grass seedlings and 4,298 native trees, shrubs and upland grasses at restoration projects in Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach, Hypoluxo, Delray Beach and Boca Raton. They also collected and potted 23,500 red mangrove seeds that will be used in 2010 mangrove restoration projects.

ERM volunteers worked tirelessly maintaining 1,700 feet of hiking trails, installing 300 feet of wire mesh fencing, and bagging 28 tons of oyster shell for use in oyster habitat restoration projects in the Lake Worth Lagoon.

Through the ERM volunteer program, land managers enlist energetic workers who brave the heat, insects and rough terrain to protect the county’s natural treasures. For more information on joining ERM’s volunteer program, please go to www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/erm or send an email to amathews@co.palm-beach.fl.us.

*Dollar value calculated using May 2008 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for West Palm Beach /Boca Raton /Boynton Beach Metropolitan Division found on the United States Department of Labor Web site at www.bls.gov.

(Photos are available of volunteers in action at restoration projects.)

Save The Dream Tour

2010-02-25T05:02:00.000-08:00

N.A.C.A's
Save The Dream Tour

FEB 25 - MAR 1 AT THE PALM BEACH COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

What: NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) "SAVE THE DREAM TOUR" stops
in West Palm Beach at the Palm Beach County Convention Center with 320 counselors ready
to help restructure YOUR mortgage on site for FREE. Walk-ins are welcomed.

When: Doors Open at 9am Thursday, February 25, 2010 and running 24 hours a day through
Monday, March 1

Where: The Palm Beach County Convention Center
Exhibit Hall
650 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

General eligibility
- You cannot own another property.
- You must live in your property.
- NACA asks that you agree to participate in at least five activities a year in support of NACA's
mission. NACA is waiving its membership fee and cost to pull credit reports for people
seeking a mortgage modification.

Items needed
- 30 days of consecutive paycheck stubs. (If self-employed, you will also need six months of
bank statements and a year-to-date profit and loss statement.)
- Signed hardship letter.
- Most recent mortgage statement and property tax information.

Lenders and servicers expected to be present during the five-day event
- Bank of America/Countrywide
- Wells Fargo/Wachovia
- Saxon
- CitiMortgage
- Chase
- Litton
- Home Loan Services
- American Home Mortgage
- Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

"NACA has shown that reducing mortgage payments for tens of thousands of borrowers is possible when you provide lenders with the proper tools and require them to make mortgages affordable," said NACA CEO Bruce Marks. The program is open to owner/occupants and non-investors.

Please visit www.naca.com or call 888-499-6222 to register or if you have any questions.

Palm Beach County Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 366-3000
www.pbconventioncenter.com

Villages of Palm Beach Lakes Clubs / Groups Info

2010-02-25T04:59:00.001-08:00

Clubs / Groups

Date, Time, and Location:
Villages of Palm Beach Lakes

Details or Description:
Activities Coordinator Angela Jones keeps her finger on the pulse of a myriad of groups which appeal to a wide range of interests. She is also continually starting new groups/clubs and activities. She looks forward to communicating with all Villages of Palm Beach Lakes residents. If you want more information about any of the current groups/clubs, those in formation, and/or you have some ideas, please contact Angela at VillagesofPalmBeachLakes@gmail.com.

Villages of Palm Beach Lakes Singles
A place to meet friends and have fun! All ages are welcome and encouraged to join. Get to know people to meet for a movie, see a play together, try a new restaurant together and go on outings as a group. Guests are welcome at activities and every member is encouraged to bring a single friend along to events.

All Villages of Palm Beach Lakes Happy Hours
Monthly event targeting specific neighborhoods to socialize and see who lives down the street.

Bike Club
Aimed at all ages and levels of fitness. Rides will be planned for kids and beginners and as intense as it gets for the highly skilled riders. Join to enjoy scenic leisurely rides through Villages of Palm Beach Lakes or go with a group to one of the beaches.

Community Garden Group
Planning committee now forming to decide location and type of pilot garden. The first project will begin this fall in one neighborhood where residents from all of Villages of Palm Beach Lakes can learn and eventually take back to their individual neighborhoods.

Dive/Snorkeling Club
Get together for dive trips to Palm Beach sites and elsewhere

Doggie Play Group
As this group is formed, members will decide what dates, times and locations they will meet to hang out with fellow dog lovers. Make friends with other dog owners for “play dates” or dog walks. Great resource for finding canine companions to attend Villages of Palm Beach Lakes dog friendly events like Yappy Hour

Empty Nesters
This group is the revival of a group started several years ago by the residents. Formed for the over 50 age group and encourages participation of singles and couples. The goal is to have organized events inside the community as well as trips to theaters and daytime outings.

Kids Swim Lessons
Every child in Florida should know how to swim, whether or not they have a backyard pool.

Lunch Bunch
This group combines professionals and retired residents, men, women, spouses or individuals welcome. Nice environment for socializing and networking your business to residents. This is a great way to try out Villages of Palm Beach Lakes and other local restaurants. Lunch Bunch meets monthly – usually the 2nd Thursday.

Rollerblading Club
Rollerblade with the group

Runners Club
This group is for runners of all levels of fitness. The group will determine where they will run, how often and what runs they’d like to train for over the next year. Members have already begun signing up and are ready to meet for their first organizational meeting. Please call or email if you would like to be notified of the date and location of that meeting.

Senior Exercise Class
This is an approximately forty five minute class geared for older residents to gain strength, prevent injuries and falls, and increase muscle.

Walking Club
Get together with neighbors to walk at specific times including early mornings and after dark. Call or email if interested and date of 1st organizational meeting will be announced.

Boca Raton Board Meetings and Events for Week of February 22 - 26

2010-02-22T04:00:00.001-08:00

Board Meetings February 22 - 26

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) – Monday, February 22, 1:30 pm – Agenda

City Council Workshop – Monday, February 22, following CRA meeting – Agenda

Aviation Advisory Committee - Tuesday, February 23, 5:00 pm – Boca Raton Community Center

City Council Meeting – Tuesday, February 23, 6:00 pm – Agenda

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, February 23, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Special Master Hearing – Wednesday, February 24, 9:00 am, City Hall

Housing Authority – Wednesday, February 24, 5:30 pm, Old Fire Admin. Building, 2333 W. Glades Road

Education Advisory Board – Wednesday, February 24, 6:00 pm, City Hall

Boca Raton Green Market

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Eco-Watch – Wednesday, February 24, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Boca Beachcombing – Thursday, February 25, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Little Wonders – Saturday, February 27, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Big Wonders – Saturday, February 27, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Pirates – Saturday, February 27, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Childhood Wonders – February 3 – 28, 2010

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

Theatre: Harmony Street Quartet – Wednesday, February 24, 11:00 am

Libraries

DT Drop-In Story Time – Monday, February 22, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SRL TEEN Movie: Kicking and Screaming (PG) – Tuesday, February 23, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

SRL TWEEN: Food for Thought – Wednesday, February 24, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, February 25, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

SRL Special: Madafo – Friday, February 26, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Saturday, February 27, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Spanish River Sunday Speaker – Sunday, February 28, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

The Swim Center

Meadows Park Pool

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Inspector General and Commission on Ethics Implementation Advisory Committee Holds First Meeting

2010-02-17T05:09:00.001-08:00

Ethics Implementation Advisory Committee Members - From L to R: Marty Rogol, David Baker, Chair and Dennis Gallon Vice-chair.

On February 16, the Inspector General and Commission on Ethics Implementation Advisory Committee held its first official meeting. Following direction from the Board of County Commissioners and a series of recently adopted ordinances, the five-member committee selected a chair and vice chair to conduct business. Assistant County Attorney Lenny Berger gave a brief overview of the Sunshine Law followed by county staff members providing updates of their participation in the implementation of both the Office of Inspector General and the Commission on Ethics.

Thus far, the Commission on Ethics has been seated, a comprehensive Web site has been launched including job postings for both the Inspector General and Executive Director for the Commission on Ethics. Training programs for both BCC employees and advisory board members are being developed, and tentative plans for office space for both entities have been drafted. New lobbyist registration procedures and fees were also discussed. The committee plans to meet once per month with the next meeting scheduled for March 10th at 3 p.m.

# # #

Two Great Ways to $ave on Your Taxes

2010-02-16T04:32:00.001-08:00

By Commissioner Jeff Koons
How would you like to have your income taxes prepared for free? On top of that, how about if some deductions were included that you didn’t even know about? It’s possible just by visiting a local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office.

Since 2004, this partnership between Palm Beach County, the United Way and the IRS has helped thousands of low- and middle-income residents prepare their tax returns for free, saving millions of dollars in fees that would have been paid for professional tax preparation services.
If your household annual income is $49,000 or less, you are eligible for free help at any of the 20 VITA offices throughout Palm Beach County. Just go to www.unitedwaypbc.org for locations.

All VITA offices are manned by IRS-certified tax preparers who volunteer their time. Last year, they filed more than 9,500 free tax returns for refunds totaling over $15 million. This year, they expect to process more than 10,000 tax returns. All returns are e-filed and refunds are usually received within 10 to 14 days.

While you’re there, be sure to ask about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This is a federal tax credit for individuals and families who meet certain low- and moderate-income requirements. For example, if you earn $43,279 or less and have three or more qualifying children, you may be eligible for up to $5,657 in tax credits. VITA volunteers are happy to explain how the EITC works and the eligibility requirements, and help you apply for it if you qualify.

Each year, around $12 million in qualified income tax credits goes unclaimed in South Florida, according to local IRS officials. An estimated one in four taxpayers is eligible for the EITC, but many don’t know it and don’t file for it. The EITC is applicable up to three years prior, so bring your tax returns from the past three years if you think you may have qualified. For more about the EITC, please go to: www.IRS.gov

Even if you don’t qualify for the credit, you may still be able to get your taxes done for free. So why not pay a visit? Local VITA offices will be open through April 15; some are open nights and weekends. For more information, please call 2-1-1 or the United Way of Palm Beach County at 561-375-6600.

Over the years, the VITA program has had an estimated $113 million impact on our local economy. Taxpayers receiving VITA-processed refunds typically use them to pay off debt, invest in education or housing, or open a bank account. This is new money being pumped back into the local economy and a great example of a successful public/private partnership.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please call me or my staff at 355-2202.

# # #

Boca Raton Board Meetings and Events for Week of February 15 - 19

2010-02-15T05:29:00.000-08:00

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

Board Meetings February 15 - 19

Financial Advisory Board – Tuesday, February 16, 5:00 pm – City Hall

Historic Preservation Board – Tuesday, February 16, 5:00 pm – City Hall

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, February 16, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Beautification Committee – Wednesday, February 17, 12:00 pm – City Hall

Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee – Wednesday, February 17, 4:00 pm – City Hall

Library Advisory Board – Wednesday, February 17, 4:00 pm – Spanish River Library

Airport Authority – Wednesday, February 17, 6:00 pm – Agenda

Green Living Task Force – Thursday, February 18, 8:30 am – 6500 Congress Avenue

Planning & Zoning Board – Thursday, February 18, 6:30 pm – City Hall

Boca Raton Green Market

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Meeting of the Audubon Society of the Everglades – Tuesday, February 16, 2:00 pm

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Bird Walk – Wednesday, February 17, 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Canoeing the Mangroves – Wednesday, February 17, 11:00 am

Wetlands Walk – Thursday, February 18, 3:00 pm

Night Explorers – Friday, February 19, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Flower Pressing – Saturday, February 20, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Childhood Wonders – February 3 – 28, 2010

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

Thursday Movie Classics: Caught in the Draft – Thursday, February 18, 7:30 pm

True Grits: A Window on Appalachia – Saturday, February 20, 12:30 pm

Sunday Morning Movies: A Cinderella Story – Sunday, February 21, 11:00 am

Libraries

SRL TEEN: Rock Band – Tuesday, February 16, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

SRL TWEEN Anime: Club Tokyo MewMew – Wednesday, February 17, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, February 18, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

DT Special: Madafo – Friday, February 19, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Saturday, February 20, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

DT TEEN Anime: Club Otaku – Saturday, February 20, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The Swim Center

Meadows Park Pool

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Garlic Fest Road Closures and Shuttle Service

2010-02-11T21:43:00.001-08:00

February 11, 2010: The Garlic Fest will be held on Friday, February 12th (5:00 pm � 10:00 pm), Saturday, February 13th (11:00 am � 10:00 pm) and Sunday February 14th (11:00 am � 7:00 pm) at Old School Square, 51 North Swinton Avenue. Admission is $10 per person.

ROAD CLOSURES: Beginning Thursday, February 11th at 6:00 am, the following road closures will be in effect through 12:00 am midnight on Sunday, February 14th:

Swinton Avenue from Atlantic Avenue to Old School Square (just south of the circular drive of Crest Theatre)

NE 1st Avenue from Atlantic Avenue to Old School Square Park
Please note northbound traffic on Swinton Avenue (originating from the east) will be re-routed to NW 1st Avenue.

DOWNTOWN ROUNDABOUT SHUTTLE SERVICE DURING GARLIC FEST: The Downtown Roundabout provides free roundtrip shuttle bus service on Atlantic Avenue between the Tri Rail station and Ocean Blvd/A1A. During the Garlic Fest, please note the hours of operation:

Friday, February 12th and Saturday, February 13th
10:00 am until 10:00 pm

Sunday, February 14th
10:00 am until 9:00 pm

For more information, please call (561) 243-7190.

Contact:
City of Delray Beach
Public Information Office
(561) 243-7190
PIO@mydelraybeach.comCity Commission:
Nelson S. "Woodie" McDuffie, Mayor
Gary Eliopoulos, Vice-Mayor
Adam Frankel, Deputy Vice-Mayor
Fred Fetzer, Commissioner
Angeleta Gray, Commissioner

County to Open Cold Weather Shelters

2010-02-11T05:03:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: Feb. 10, 2010
Contact: Mary Blakeney 561-712-6400, 561-319-8494
The Palm Beach County Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management has activated the Cold Weather Emergency Shelter Plan for all of Palm Beach County for this evening (Wednesday). The following cold weather emergency shelters will be open beginning at 7 p.m.

Westgate Community Center Gymnasium
3691 Oswego Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

West County Senior Citizens Center
2916 State Road 15
Belle Glade, FL 33430

Transportation can be arranged by dialing 211 (Palm Beach County Crisis Line). Residents seeking refuge from the cold in western Palm Beach County should contact their local police department or dial 211.

A cold and dry air mass will continue to spread across South Florida following the passage of a strong cold front. The combination of light winds, clear skies and a very dry air mass will promote dramatic cooling in the freeze watch area from tonight into Thursday morning.

The Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor weather developments and make announcements on any further shelter openings as necessary.

Community Forum March 17

2010-02-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

Next Community Forum March 17
For immediate release: Feb. 10, 2010
Contact: District 6 • (561) 355-6300
District 6 County Commissioner Jess Santamaria will not be holding a community forum this month. His next community forum will be on Wednesday, March 17, at 7 p.m., at the original Wellington Mall.

Topics and speakers will be announced at a later date.

A cold and dry air mass will continue to spread across South Florida following the passage of a strong cold front. The combination of light winds, clear skies and a very dry air mass will promote dramatic cooling in the freeze watch area from tonight into Thursday morning.

The Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor weather developments and make announcements on any further shelter openings as necessary.

Donations Needed for Pet Food Bank

2010-02-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

For immediate release: Feb. 5, 2010
Contact: Elizabeth Harfmann (561) 233-1222

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control is looking for donations of dog and cat food to stock the Pahokee Pet Food Bank in order to assist low income or indigent pet owners in need of food for their pets. The food bank is located at the West County Spay/Neuter Clinic in Pahokee, Florida. This facility operates to actively reduce pet overpopulation by offering free sterilization for cats and dogs to all Palm Beach County residents.

The West County facility is located in one of Palm Beach County’s most impoverished regions. Many animals are left to fend for themselves because families can no longer afford to care for them. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. The food bank will accept any size or brand of dog or cat food in unopened bags or cans.

Donations may be brought to Animal Care and Control’s main shelter in West Palm Beach, 7100 Belvedere Road, or the West County facility, 3615 State Road 715, Pahokee. For your convenience, a large gray bin is available outside the main shelter lobby doors to drop off donations after hours.

For more information, please call (561) 233-1222 or visit www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal.

City of Boca Raton: Board Meetings February 8 - 12

2010-02-08T05:04:00.000-08:00

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) – Monday, February 8, 1:30 pm – Agenda

City Council Workshop – Monday, February 8, following CRA meeting – Agenda

Community Relations Board – Monday, February 8, 6:00 pm, Police Services

Citizens’ Pedestrian & Bikeway Advisory Board – Monday, February 8, 7:30 pm, City Hall

City Council Meeting – Tuesday, February 9, 6:00 pm – Agenda

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, February 9, 7:00 pm – Agenda

First Florida Governmental Financing Commission – Friday, February 12, 11:00 am City Hall

Boca Raton Green Market

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm / Saturday, 11:30 am

Eco-Watch – Wednesday, February 10, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Seining the Lagoon - Thursday, February 11, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The Great Backyard Bird Count – Saturday, February 13, 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Surfing the Right Way – Saturday, February 13, 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Bird Outing to STA 5 – Sunday, February 14, 6:00 am

Sugar Sand Park

Sing Song Story Time – Monday, February 8, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Explorium Exhibits - Children’s Science Explorium

After School Science: Heart Smart: K & 1st Grade – Tuesday, February 9, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

After School Science: Heart Smart: 2nd & 3rd Grade – Wednesday, February 10, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

After School Science: Heart Smart: 4th – 6th Grade – Thursday, February 11, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

A Chance for Romance – Saturday, February 13, 8:00 pm

Libraries

DT Drop-In Story Time – Monday, February 8, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

SRL TEEN: Food for Thought – Tuesday, February 9, 4:30 – 5:30 pm

DT Drop-In Story Time – Thursday, February 11, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

DT Drop-In Story Time – Saturday, February 13, 10:00 am – 10:30 am

SRL Special: Poetry Alive – Saturday, February 13, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

DT Special: Poetry Alive – Saturday, February 13, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

The Swim Center

Patch Reef Tennis Center

March Events for Adult, Teen & Children @ your city library

2010-02-04T08:11:00.001-08:00

West Palm Beach Public Library

411 Clematis Street

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

561-868-7700

www.mycitylibrary.org

Adult Events

Yoga @ your city library

Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 10:30 to 11:30 am

Bring your mat and practice your yoga at the library! Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

Yoga @ your city library

Saturdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30 to 11:30 am

Bring your mat and practice your yoga at the library! Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

Beginning Tai-chi @ your city library

Fridays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 10:30 to 11:30 am

Join Bill Ram-Z as he teaches you the techniques of tai-chi. Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

Monday Night Movies @ your city Library

Monday, March 1 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Come join us this Monday for a free movie! Auditorium.

The Box – PG 13 – Norma and Arthur Lewis, a suburban couple with a young child, receive a simple wooden box as a gift, which bears fatal and irrevocable consequences. A mysterious stranger delivers the message that the box promises to bestow upon its owner $1 million with the press of a button. But, pressing this button will simultaneously cause the death of another human being somewhere in the world; someone they don't know.

Spanish Conversation Group for Beginners

Mondays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Have you always wanted to learn Spanish? Now is your chance! This beginner group, led by Oscar Castañeda, gives you an opportunity to practice what you have learned in a conversational setting. Third floor Iris Room.

Learn Beginning French

Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Are you interested in learning the French language? Join instructor Natacha as she teaches you the basics of French grammar in a fun and interactive way! Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Aging to Perfection: Presented by the Hanley Center

Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17 2:00-3:30pm

Do you need help asking the right questions at the doctor's office? Advice on keeping active and healthy? Join us at the West Palm Beach Public Library for this three-session interactive program designed to connect people and resources with innovative ideas and strategies to live a healthy lifestyle as they age. Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Third floor Hibiscus Room

Free H1N1 Vaccinations

Wednesday, March 3 10:00am-2:00pm

Free pediatric and adult H1N1 immunizations will be available at the West Palm Beach Public Library. For ages 6 months and older. Sponsored by the Palm Beach County Health Department and the Quantum Foundation. First floor Urban Living Room.

"Fact or Fiction: Exploring Common Legal Misconceptions That Women Need To Know About." Presented by Susan Brotman, P.A.

Tuesday, March 9 6:00-8:00pm

Local attorney, Susan Brotman, well-known as the “Lawyer Who Listens” will be visiting the West Palm Beach Public Library to present a lecture on legal issues concerning women. The discussion is free and open to all. Third floor Clematis Room.

Money Fitness Workshops: presented by consumer credit expert, Mike Schiano!

Wednesday, March 10 7:00-8:00pm

Join us at the West Palm Beach Public Library for a series of "Money-Fitness" workshops presented by nationally recognized consumer credit and debt management expert, Mike Schiano. Mike will be providing free informational seminars on making smart financial decisions. In March, Mike will be discussing the topic "Managing Money in Tough Times." Third floor Clematis Room.

Meet the Author: Marilyn Murray Willison!

Tuesday, March 16 4:00-5:00pm

Come out to the West Palm Beach Public Library and meet local author, Marilyn Murray Willison. Marilyn will be discussing and signing copies of her latest book The Self-Empowered Woman. Ms. Willison writes regularly for the Palm Beach Post and Florida Home. Third floor Clematis Room.

Smart Women Invest in Themselves! presented by Brett Ferrigan, from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Tuesday, March 23 6:30-7:30pm

Join us at the West Palm Beach Public Library for a one hour seminar on woman and financial investing. Brett Ferrigan, from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, will be here to present information for women on creating financial goals. Third floor Hibiscus Room

“New IRA Opportunities for 2010” presented by Jim Smeenge of Edward Jones

Wednesday, March 31 11:00am-12:00pm

Edward Jones financial advisor, Jim Smeenge, will be presenting a free educational seminar on the new tax law changes regarding the traditional and Roth IRA including the benefits of converting to a Roth IRA. Third floor Hibiscus Room.

“Chinese Corner” sponsored by the US-China Peoples Friendship Association Palm Beach Chapter

Sunday, March 28 2:00-4:00pm

The Palm Beach County “Chinese Corner”, modeled after the famous “English Corners” in China, provides an opportunity to meet other students of the language and native-speakers to practice conversational Chinese at any level. To be held the last Sunday of each month. Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Meditation Class

Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Learn the tools necessary to begin and sustain a meditation practice in the tradition of calm abiding will be presented: good sitting posture, how to relate to the breath, and what to do when thoughts come up, and more. Each class will begin with meditation instruction followed by group reading and discussion about a selected topic. March’s book is Loving-Kindness: the Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg. Auditorium.

Argentine Tango

Thursdays, March 4, 18 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Come out to the library and learn the Argentine Tango with George from Exclusively Argentine Tango at George’s! Pre-function Lobby.

Second Saturday Book Club

Saturday, March 13 10:30 am to noon

Join the Book Club for a lively discussion of selected books. This month’s title is The Sculptress by Minette Walters. Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Live Argentine Tango Performance!

Sunday, March 14 2:00 to 3:30 pm

Come out on Sunday afternoon and join us for beautiful Argentine tango performances. Both traditional and modern tango will be presented. Auditorium.

Amigos de Nuestra Literatura

Saturday, March 20 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

The Spanish book club meets on the third Saturday of every month. This month’s novel is Todos los Fuegos el Fuego, by Julio Cortázar. Third floor Iris Room.

iCinema: independent and international films @ your city library

Sunday, March 21 2:00 to 3:30 pm

Come out and watch the film Brick Lane. A young Bangladeshi woman, Nazneem, arrives in 1980s London, leaving behind her beloved sister and home, for an arranged marriage and a new life. Trapped within the four walls of her flat in East London, and in a loveless marriage with the middle aged Chanu, she fears her soul is quietly dying. She is forced to confront her life the day that the hotheaded young Karim comes knocking at her door. Rated PG- 13. iCinema films are intended for mature audiences. Auditorium.

Book Talk

Thursday, March 18 12:15 to 12:45 pm

Join the Book Club for a lively discussion of selected books. The topic for March is Getting Crafty at the Library. The Book Goddess will present an inspiring selection of books on arts and crafts. Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Just for Mystery Lovers Book Club

Saturday, March 27 10:30 to 12:00 pm

Join mystery lovers to discuss a mystery that will leave you intrigued. This month’s novel is Rough Weather: A Spenser Novel by Robert B. Parker. Third floor Iris Room.

Teen Events

Cool-Off Cinema Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00pm

Chill-lax with some cool films!

Teen Choice: U Pic the Flic! 2nd Floor

Rise Out Loud! Thursday, Mar. 4, 6:00-8:00pm, Computer Lab

Saturday, Mar. 6, 1:00-3:00pm, Hibiscus Room

Writing and Performance Workshops for Teens!

Join slam poet and educator Casandra Tanenbaum, and special guest performers for monthly workshops

to train your performances for all audiences and occasions: from the recording studio to the big stage!

Workshops incorporate visioning and creative writing exercises and instruction, vocal training

and presentation skill development. Also, learn ‘poetry slam tips and techniques’ from the pros,

and create a range of solo and ensemble performances to beef up your college portfolios!

Monday Night Movies: Monday, Mar. 8, 6:00 pm

Cirque du Freak - The Vampire's Assistant

Based on the popular series of books by Darren Shan is a fantasy-adventure about a teenager

who unknowingly breaks a 200-year-old truce between two warring factions of vampires.

Pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night,

one teen will vanish from the safety of a boring existence and fulfill his destiny in a place drawn from nightmares.

Teen Area (PG-13).

Teen Tech Week (March 7th – 13th) Learn. Create. Share

Totally Tech Movie Saturday, Mar. 13, 11:00-1:00pm

Star Trek

When the Romulan Nero comes from the future to take revenge on the Federation,

the new recruits of the U.S.S. Enterprise will voyage through unimaginable danger to

stop him from destroying everything they know.

Teen Area (PG-13)

Oh My Gaming! Saturday, Mar. 13, 1:00-3:00pm

We're playing video games at the library. Need I say more? Teen Area

Animation Workshop Saturday, Mar. 13, 3:00-4:30pm

Teens, does the cartoon network rule your life?

Come learn how to create your own animations @ the library.

Computer Lab

Teen Takeover Friday, Mar. 26, 9:30-4:30pm

No school, nowhere to go, no problem: This library has got it covered. The computer lab will be teen only.

Movies and video games will also be played. Computer Lab

Hanging with Harry Monday, Mar. 29 - Saturday, Apr. 3, 1:00pm

Spend your spring break hanging with Harry, Harry Potter that is.

Every day from Monday, March 29th- Saturday, April 3rd watch one of the Harry Potter movies.

The Hogwarts express leaves the station at 1pm.

Teen Area

Picture Perfect Saturday, Mar. 27, 3:00-4:30pm

Teens learn how to edit and create cool effects with your digital photos using Picasa.

Computer Lab

__________________________________________________________

Children & Family Events for March

Story Time

Preschool Story Time Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

10:30 am & 2:00 pm

Join Ms. Kathy for stories, songs, crafts and fun while building language skills.

Registration required. Ages: 3, 4 and 5 years. Children’s Program Space.

Toddler Story Time Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

10:30 am & 2:00 pm

Join Ms. Jeanne to nurture a love of books; learn rhymes, sounds, and new words.

Enjoy musical activities! Registration required. Ages: 2 and 3 years.

Children’s Program Space.

Baby Story Time Fridays, March 5, 12 19, 26 & April 2

10:30 am & 2:00 pm

Join Ms. Judy to delight and stimulate your baby's senses with books and music.

Registration required. Ages: babies, 12-24 months. Children’s Program Space.

Homework Help Tuesdays Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Get help with your school work on Tuesdays! Ages: Grades 1 - 5

Children’s Small Program Space.

Have a Seuss-Tacular Day! Tuesday, March 2, 2010

All day

Stop by the KidSpace and celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday!

Read a Dr. Seuss book to your child, get a cupcake and enjoy a craft activity! KidSpace

Free H1N1 Vaccinations Wednesday, March 3, 2010

10am-2pm

Free pediatric and adult H1N1 immunizations are available at the

West Palm Beach Public Library on March 3, 2010 from 10am-2pm.

For adult and children ages 6 months and older. Sponsored by the Palm Beach County Health Department

and the Quantum Foundation. Urban Living Room

Missing Child Kit Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7

1:00-4:00 / FREE!

Get your free "Child Personal Information and Fingerprint Kit".

Kit, fingerprinting, photograph, DNA sample and dental impression will be provided for free.

This kit is designed to ensure that you have the correct biographical information and photograph

of your child in an emergency situation. Generously provided by Eric Sikes and MetLife. KidSpace

Sundays @ 2 for families Sundays: March 14

2:00 pm

Learn about Florida’s flora & fauna through hands-on exhibit with live creatures!

Families will explore and discover @ their city library.

Special programs & activities geared for family fun & relaxation!

Free! Children’s Program Space.

Saturday Kids’ Club Saturdays: March 13

2:00 pm

Read, laugh & play! Stop by “KidSpace’ to check-out the book and register!

For kids K – 1st Grade. Children’s Program Space

Science Projects 101 Sunday: March 28

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn about science and the scientific method through fun hands-on science experiments.

Free! Registration required. Auditorium

Sponsored by the West Palm Beach Library Foundation and the Wachovia Foundation.

Dog Tales

Meet our specially trained therapy dogs who will ‘listen’ to your child read!

Awesome for reluctant readers or for kids who just love reading and love dogs!

Dog Tales Schedule:

Reading with Rex Tuesdays, March 2, 16, & 23

3:30-4:30 pm

Hangin’ with Harry Wednesdays, March 10, 17 & 24

4:00 – 5:00 pm

Moments with Minnie: Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25

3:30-4:30

Tutoring with Taylor & Oliver Saturdays, March 6 & 20

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Monday Night Movie Monday, March 15

6:00 pm

Join us for the movie, Where the Wild Things are

based on the children’s book, by Maurice Sendak.

Free! KidSpace (Rated PG)

____________________________________________________________________

Jeanne Taylor, Librarian

West Palm Beach Public Library

Efrem Sigel to Read from "The Disappearance" at the Royal Palm Beach Branch Library

2010-02-04T04:54:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: Feb. 3, 2010
Contact: Donna Smith, Adult Programming Librarian
(561) 233-2793 smithd@pbclibrary.org
Efrem Sigel will be reading from and signing copies of his new novel, "The Disappearance," at the Royal Palm Beach Branch of Palm Beach County Library System, on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.The book,published last year, received 3½ stars from People Magazine and was hailed by Booklist as “gripping, emotional, and tender … it has a deep emotional core that will resonate with any reader."

"The Disappearance," published by The Permanent Press, is the story of the disappearance of 14-year-old Daniel Sandler from a small town in Massachusetts. With lyrical prose and suspense that builds inexorably toward a resolution, it portrays the anguish of the boy’s parents, Joshua and Nathalie Sandler as they struggle to solve the baffling mystery of their missing son. (See www.efremsigel.com for details)

"The Disappearance" was named an Indie Next Notable Book by the American Booksellers Association and was recently released as an audiobook from Blackstone Audio. Efrem is also the author of a previous novel “The Kermanshah Transfer.” His short stories have appeared in Xavier Review, Pleiades, Quercus Review, Nimrod, Lynx Eye, Potomac Review and elsewhere and have won a number of prizes. His pieces about Israel have appeared in The Jerusalem Post, Midstream and Congress Monthly. He is also the author of five nonfiction books.

After a career in business journalism and business publishing during which he founded and ran two newsletter publishing companies, Efrem now concentrates on writing fiction and essays. He lives in New York City.

What reviewers say about The Disappearance:
- "The story takes place over the course of about a year and it is gripping, emotional, and tender … Sigel is clearly a talented storyteller, and the novel has a deep emotional core that will resonate with any reader." David Pitt, Booklist
- "Mystery turns the pages but it’s Sigel’s insights into the manifestations of grief that elevate this above most kid-gone-missing tales." Sue Corbett, People Magazine.
- "Powerful and elegantly crafted … The mystery's resolution is secondary to Sigel's subtle and probing look at the consequences of a tragedy." Publishers Weekly
- "Heartbreaking yet uplifting … Efrem Sigel has crafted a haunting, beautiful novel of tragedy’s aftermath, with deeply human characters." Allison Campbell, LibraryThing.com.

Contact: Matthew Tallow, Assistant Branch Manager, Royal Palm Beach Library,
500 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411; 561-790-6030;
Efrem Sigel, 212-242-2256, efrem.sigel@gmail.com, www.efremsigel.com

New Rules for Tow Truck Operators/Owners Implemented

2010-02-04T04:52:00.001-08:00

On January 12, the Board of County Commissioners adopted new rules for tow truck operators/owners to protect the public from unregulated operators that have left individuals stranded and frustrated with almost no legal recourse. The main objectives of the amended ordinance are to require all towing companies in the county to be licensed and meet minimum safety, insurance and operating rules.

In order to obtain the license, tow truck drivers must pass a criminal and driving background check. In addition, all tow trucks will be required to display a county decal showing they meet county standards and all drivers will be required to wear an ID badge identifying their employer.

The new ordinance also includes a maximum rate for vehicles towed for illegal parking. It is recommended that motorists request to see the tow truck operator ’s county-issued ID badge and also confirm the county license number posted on their vehicle before letting their car be towed.

Prior to the adoption of these changes, the ordinance only regulated companies that performed non-consent tows (e.g. police directed tows at accident and crime scenes or removal of illegally parked vehicles on private property). Consequently, county officials and industry observers have noted a considerable number of unlicensed towing companies that are operating with little or no insurance while utilizing unsafe vehicles or equipment. The County Attorney’s office has issued an opinion that regulating all commercial towing companies/vehicles in Palm Beach County is consistent with state and federal regulations.

Additionally, the Sheriff ’s office reported that many local towing companies have hired drivers with extensive criminal records. Since these drivers have considerable contact with the public and frequently provide transportation to stranded motorists, it was determined that a criminal background check would be in the best interest of the public’s safety.
Some other revisions addressed in the ordinance include expedited release of towed vehicles, full disclosure of all costs involved, options on the destination of the towed vehicle (other than the storage yard used by the towing company) and reimbursement of any overcharges to the vehicle owner.

Again, the above-referenced measures were to taken to ensure good business practice by the towing industry and to protect the consumer. Please contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have any comments and/or suggestions. I can be contacted at sabrams@pbcgov.org or at my office at 561-355-2204 (West Palm Beach) or 561-276-1220 (Delray Beach). Please visit my Web site at http://www.pbcgov.com/countycommissioners/district4/ for updates and links to county divisions and other governmental agencies.

February 2, 2010 BCC Briefs

2010-02-04T04:50:00.000-08:00

At the February 2, 2010, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Retire/rehire – agreed to require vacant executive positions to be advertised, not counting the Director of Airports, until July 1, when a new state law takes effect extending the period retired persons must wait before returning to their old jobs.

Human Services – approved homeless program grants totaling $100,000 for a one-year, nonrecurring, grant-funded Planner II position with the Human Services Division. No county funds are involved.

Commission district offices – adopted a resolution establishing budgetary policy and expenditure controls for commission district offices, including the elimination of part-time secretaries, individual budgets for equipment, and the separate position and operating budget for the BCC chair.

Charter review – discussed creating an advisory committee to review and recommend changes to the Palm Beach County Charter, including possibly having some BCC seats elected countywide.

Boards and committees – realigned assignments with regard to commissioners’ participation on advisory boards and committees.

Panhandlers – directed legal staff to research the feasibility of banning cash solicitation along county-owned roadways and medians.

Lake Worth Beach – approved a three-year interlocal agreement with the City of Lake Worth for $5 million in voter-approved recreation bond funds for improvements to the Lake Worth Beach casino.

South Bay – approved an agreement with the City of South Bay to provide $400,000 for repairs to Southwest 12th Avenue between Southwest 1st Street and MLK Boulevard.

County Offers New Single Family Mortgage Bond Program

2010-02-03T04:47:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: February 2, 2010
Contact: David Brandt HFA Executive Director • (561) 233-3656
The Housing Finance Authority of Palm Beach County is pleased to announce that $5 million will be available beginning Feb. 3, 2010 for the origination of Federal Housing Administration /Veterans Administration /USDA Rural Housing Service 30-year, fixed rate, first mortgage loans. The loans will be made to qualified homebuyer applicants through certain participating lending institutions on a first come, first served basis.

Borrowers will be required to have a minimum credit score of 600. The current first mortgage loan interest rate is 5 percent with no origination or discount points; customary lender fees will apply. The maximum income limits are $90,480 for a one and two-person household and $105,560 for households of three or more persons. The maximum single family home price is $402,439.

The Housing Finance Authority of Palm Beach County is offering a 30-year down payment/closing cost assistance second mortgage loan under this program in an amount not to exceed 3 percent of the first mortgage loan amount with simple interest at 3 percent per annum due upon maturity, sale, refinance or repayment of the first mortgage loan, or if the borrower receives a federal tax credit refund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

For more information about the program, contact one of the participating lenders listed below.

First time homebuyers obtaining a second mortgage loan will be required to complete an approved homebuyer education course prior to loan closing. A list of first time homebuyer’s education providers follows below, also. Some providers do not charge for this service, so participants are encouraged to contact each provider regarding fees.

PARTICIPATING LENDERS
Lender Contact
Branch Banking and Trust Co. Jennifer Veit
4510 Donald Ross Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
jveit@bbandt.com

Patricia Gust
Patricia_Gust@colonialbank.com (561) 904-7070 or (561) 346-6987

(305) 355-9706
Flagship Financial Services, Inc. Dennis Stecker
1500 NW 62nd St., Suite 206
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

Debbie Healy
Lisa Kislia
FlagshipFi@aol.com (800) 776-8984

(800) 776-8984
(800) 776-8984
Real Estate Mortgage Network John Gentile
3021 Manatee Ave W., Suite A
Bradenton, FL 34205
jgentile@remn.com

Loodie Alonso
lalonso@remn.com (561) 441-6733

(561) 753-3393
Universal American Mortgage Oscar Sanchez
700 NW 107th Ave., Suite 300
Miami, FL 33172 (305) 551-7001
after hours: (305) 229-6500

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER EDUCATION COURSE PROVIDERS
Note: Certain providers charge a nominal fee for this service while other providers offer this service free of charge.
Prospective borrowers are encouraged to contact all of the providers to determine whether or not a fee is charged.
HUD-Approved Counseling Agency
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta
700 S Dixie Hwy., Suite 103
West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 434-2544
Consumer Credit Management Services
315 NE 2nd Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 454-5615
Housing Partnership, Inc.
2001 W. Blue Heron Blvd.
Riviera Beach, FL 33404 (561) 841-3500 ext. 1062
Life Improvement for Tomorrow
1910 South Olive Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 868-7026
Northwest Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Corp.
2001 Broad Way, Suite 510
Riviera Beach, FL 33404 (561) 845-1147
Real Estate Education and Community Housing, Inc.
8409 N Military Trail, Suite 110
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 491-1681
Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc.
1700 N Australian Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 833-1461 ext. 25
SHIP-Approved Counseling Agency
Center for Technology, Enterprise & Development, Inc.
33 SE 1st Ave., Suite 102
Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 265-3790
HOME Education Loan Program
2620 N Australian Ave., Suite 109
West Palm Beach, FL 33047 (561) 841-5947
The Delray Beach CDC 400
West Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33444 (561) 266-9840
United Way Prosperity Center - West Palm Beach
501 21st St.
West Palm Beach, FL 33407 (561) 655-7581
We Help CDC
349 SE 3rd St.
Belle Glade, FL 33430 (561) 993-0085

# # #

Mounts Botanical Garden to Host Workshop on Growing Herbs

2010-02-03T04:44:00.000-08:00

For immediate release: February 1, 2010
Contact: (561) 233-1757
What: Growing & Using Herbs in South Florida
Date: Saturday, February 20, 2010
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Mounts Auditorium
531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach
Cost: Members $45; Non-members $55

This open-discussion style lecture by instructor Dennis Gretton of D&D Growers will cover herbs that grow well in South Florida, culinary and medicinal uses, and combinations that grow well in containers. Participants will create their own container with a selection of herbs. Everything from preparing the container, soil mix and nutrients to choosing, arranging and actually installing plants will be demonstrated. In addition, a large selection of herbs will be available for purchase.

Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden. Mounts displays tropical and subtropical plants from around the world including plants native to Florida, exotic trees, tropical fruit, herbs, citrus, palms and more.

As a component of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service, and through its affiliation with the University of Florida, Mounts is the place to connect with Extension horticulturists, master gardeners, the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program, and professional horticultural advisors. In addition, Mounts offers a variety of horticultural classes and workshops.

Located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach, Mounts Botanical Garden is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. (It is closed on all county-observed holidays.) The suggested donation for entry to the garden is $5 per person. For more information, call (561) 233-1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

H1N1 FLU VACCINATION LOCATIONS UPDATE PALM BEACH COUNTY

2010-02-01T04:45:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA ONLY: TIM O’CONNOR
January 28, 2010 561-671-4013 or press50@doh.state.fl.us

The Palm Beach County Health Department continues to make the H1N1 vaccine available at FREE public vaccination clinics scheduled throughout our community on a first come first served basis. Palm Beach County Residents are being offered the “mist” or “injectable” versions of the vaccine which is administered at no charge.

Thursday – Sunday January 28th ,29th, 30th, 31st South Florida Fair Main Expo Hall 9067 Southern Boulevard West Palm Beach 2 pm – 8 pm

Thursday January 28th Florence Fuller Child Development Center 200 N.E. 14th Street Boca Raton 3 pm - 6 pm

Saturday, January 30th El Sol 106 Military Trail Jupiter 8:00 am – 12 noon

Tuesday, February 2nd Spanish River Library & Community Center Conference Room 1501 NW Spanish River Boulevard Boca Raton Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Wednesday, February 3rd FL Department of Environmental Protection Conference Room 200 400 North Congress Avenue West Palm Beach 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Wednesday, February 3rd Madison Chase Apartments 1096 Madison Avenue West Palm Beach 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Wednesday, February 3rd FAU Health & Wellness Fair Jupiter Campus 5353 Parkside Drive Student Resource Building Atrium 2 pm – 6 pm

Friday, February 5th Kevin Harvin Center 1030 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard Royal Palm Beach 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

February 6th – Saturday First Baptist Church 1126 West Lantana Road Lantana 10 am to 2 pm

February 6th – Saturday Lakeside Commons 550 Executive Center Drive West Palm Beach 10 am to 2 pm

Tuesday, February 9th United Way of Palm Beach County 2600 Quantum Boulevard Boynton Beach Registration 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm

Wednesday, February 17th Salvation Army 600 North Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach Registration 3:30 pm

Information on the Palm Beach County Health Department Vaccination Outreach locations and appointments at our Health Centers are available by calling our toll-free Palm Beach County Flu Information line at 1-888-411-4FLU (4358) or visiting our website at www.FightFluFlorida.com. Health Department Director Dr. Alina Alonso says, “Flu season is here but it’s not too late to get vaccinated because the vaccine offers long term protection against the H1N1 virus.” As always, practice flu prevention:
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizers frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get Vaccinated!

County’s Annual VITA Program Underway

2010-02-01T04:43:00.001-08:00

(l-r) Ron Albert, IRS territory manager, Chuck Anderson, CEO and president of the United Way of Palm Beach County, United Way Board Chair Chris Oberlink, Commissioner Koons and Joanne Arroyo, a VITA client

« Previous | Next »

Commissioner Jeff Koons joined officials with the United Way and the IRS on January 29 to kick off this year’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Since 2004, local VITA offices have helped thousands of individuals prepare their tax returns for free, saving residents millions of dollars in fees that would have been paid for professional tax preparation services.

If your household annual income is $49,000 or less, you are eligible for free assistance. All returns are e-filed and refunds are usually received within 10 days.

Last year, some 9,500 tax returns were filed by Palm Beach County VITA volunteers for refunds totaling over $15 million. This year, they expect to exceed 10,000 tax returns.

There are 20 VITA offices throughout Palm Beach County. Just go to www.unitedwaypbc.org for locations and addresses.

The news conference in the McEaddy Conference Room was held on National Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day. The EITC is a federal tax credit for individuals and families who meet certain low- and moderate-income requirements. The VITA program focuses on educating individuals about the EITC and helps those eligible file for it.

Each year, an estimated $12 million in qualified credits goes unclaimed by South Florida taxpayers, according to IRS Territory Manager Ron Albert. The credit is applicable up to three years prior, and even if you don’t qualify for the EITC, you may still be able to get your taxes done for free. “We encourage everyone to stop into a VITA site and see if they qualify,” he said.

VITA offices will be open through April 15. For more information, please call 2-1-1 or the United Way of Palm Beach County at 561-375-6600.

Give Yourself Credit Free Workshop

2010-01-28T05:02:00.001-08:00

Date, Time, and Location:
February 1st, 2-3pm Broward County Main Library and February 10th, 7-8pm West Palm Beach Public Library

Details or Description:
Author, Broadcaster and personal Finance Educator, Mike Schiano, The DebtBuster, continues his series of "Money-Fit" workshops at the West Palm Beach Public Library and Broward Main Library. This month's topic is "Give Your Self Credit, Understanding Your Credit Reports and Boosting Your Credit Scores."

County Assists with Haitian Earthquake Relief

2010-01-28T04:58:00.000-08:00

In support of the relief efforts associated with the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Palm Beach County is tapping resources to provide assistance:

An Employees Disaster Relief Fund has been established through an optional after-tax payroll deduction.
Emergency Management staff are participating in ongoing meetings with the state and federal government including discussion of a possible site in the county for staging relief supplies.
Stand-by teams are being maintained for deployment through the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association.
Fire Rescue personnel with specialized rescue training were deployed to Haiti on Federal Search and Rescue teams.
Community Services staff have been in contact with the county's Haitian community providers to determine other possible means of assistance.
A Consumer Alert on Haiti Relief Scams was issued by the Consumer Affairs office.
Related Resources/Links

Federal Response Number: 1-888-407-4747
Department of State: http://www.state.gov
US Embassy in Haiti: http://haiti.usembassy.gov
Embassy of Haiti in the US: http://www.haiti.org
Haiti Consular Section in Miami: Phone: (305) 859-2003; Fax: (305) 854-7441
Updates will be posted as they are reported.

Friends of the County Library System Present Writers Live! Spring 2010

2010-01-28T04:57:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: January 22, 2010
Contact: Donna Smith Adult Programming Librarian
(561) 233-2793 • smithd@pbclibrary.org
The Palm Beach County Library System’s Writers Live! series is an event that brings the community together with authors and their books. The second annual event features an exciting line-up of authors who will discuss their latest works, chat with the audience and do book signings. These 60-minute talks will be held across the county at different library locations from February through May. A book signing will follow each author talk.

Writers Live! debuted last April during National Library Week. During the one-day “Murder They Wrote” event at the Hagen Ranch Road Branch in Delray Beach, over 400 people got to meet some of the hottest Florida thriller writers such as Brad Meltzer, Lisa Unger, James O. Born and Ted Bell. This series is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System, Inc.

Preregistration is required. The following talks will be held in February:

Tim Dorsey
This best-selling Florida author talks about his latest book "Gator-a-Go-Go."
Tue, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. - Wellington Branch (790-6070)
Wed, Feb. 10, 2 p.m. - Jupiter Branch (744-2301)

David Morrell
This best-selling author, who created the action hero "Rambo," talks about his latest book "The Shimmer."
Thu, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m. - Lantana Road Branch, Lake Worth (304-4500)

HCD Receives $50 Million Neighborhood Stabilization Grant

2010-01-28T04:55:00.001-08:00

The Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) received notice that a Neighborhood Stabilization Grant (NSG) II in the amount of $50 million has been fully funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

On July 7, 2009 the Board of County Commissioners authorized the submittal of this grant to HUD. Unlike Neighborhood Stabilization Grant I, which was a formula based, guaranteed direct allocation grant, NSP II was competitive on a nationwide basis. Only seven grants were awarded in Florida one of which was Palm Beach County’s.

The Target area for Palm Beach County’s grant is the Urban Redevelopment Area which includes the Westgate Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The purpose of the NSP II grant is to stabilize neighborhoods that have been damaged by the economic effects of abandoned and foreclosed properties. The county’s application included three components:

a $9.15 million low interest second mortgage loan program to homebuyers to acquire vacant and foreclosed properties for owner occupancy,

a $20.3 million competitive residential redevelopment program to provide grants or loans to entities to acquire/rehabilitate vacant foreclosed residential properties for affordable resale or rental; and

a $16.47 million neighborhood redevelopment program to provide loans or grants to entities partnering with for-profit developers to acquire and/or redevelop vacant residential properties for affordable multifamily rental.

NSP II funds may assist households earning up to 120 percent of the Area Medium Income (AMI), however no less than 25 percent of the total grant funding must be used to assist households whose income do not exceed 50 percent of AMI. The current AMI for Palm Beach County is $67,600.

Staff was able to secure $30,274,145 in nonfederal funds to be used as a match for the funding. The partnering agencies providing that funding are the Housing Finance Authority, the Palm Beach County Community Land Trust and the Westgate/Belvedere Homes CRA.

Boca Raton Board meetings and Events for the Week of Jan 18, 2010

2010-01-16T04:47:00.001-08:00

Board Meetings January 18 – 22

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, January 19, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Beautification Committee – Wednesday, January 20, 12:00 pm – City Hall

Downtown BR Advisory Committee – Wednesday, January 20, 4:00 pm, Mizner Park

Cultural Arts Center, 201 Plaza Real, 2nd Floor Lobby

Airport Authority – Wednesday, January 20, 6:00 pm – Agenda

Green Living Task Force – Thursday, January 21, 8:30 am – 6500 Building, 6500 Congress Avenue

People With Disabilities Subcommittee (Boat & Beach Bash 2010) – Thursday, January 21,

6:00 pm - City Hall

Planning & Zoning Board – Thursday, January 21, 6:30 pm – Agenda

Boca Raton Green Market

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm – Saturday, 11:30 am

Into the Mangroves – Monday, January 18, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Meeting of the Audubon Society of the Everglades – Tuesday, January 19, 2:00 pm

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Gyotaku – Thursday, January 21, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Wetlands Walk – Thursday, January 21, 3:00 pm

Night Explorers – Friday, January 22, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Bird Walk – Saturday, January 23, 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Magnificent Manatees – Saturday, January 23, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Tech City exhibit – through January 2010, Children’s Science Explorium

After School Science: Toy Time Science: K & 1st Grade – Tuesday, January 19, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

After School Science: Toy Time Science: 2nd & 3rd Grade – Wednesday, January 20, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

After School Science: Toy Time Science: 4th – 6th Grade – Thursday, January 21, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Libraries

SRL TEEN: Rock Band – Tuesday, January 19, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

SRL TWEEN Anime: Club Tokyo MewMew – Wednesday, January 20, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Downtown Drop-In Story Time – Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 am

SRL TEEN/TWEEN Special Movie: Game Plan – Thursday, January 21, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

DT Special: Children’s Music Concert – Friday, January 22, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

SRL Special: Backintyme – Friday, January 22, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

Spanish River Sunday Speaker – Sunday, January 24, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

The Swim Center

Patch Reef Tennis Center

JAn. 12, 2010 BCC Briefs

2010-01-14T04:59:00.000-08:00

At the Jan. 12, 2010, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board took the following action:

Airports - approved a contract with Rosso Paving & Drainage, Inc. in the amount of $4,928,215 for the Taxiway F Extension Project at Palm Beach International Airport.

Early Head Start - approved an Early Head Start Contracted Services Expansion Agreement with Life Span of Palm Beach County, Inc. in the amount of $112,012 for services to Early Head Start children and families. Funding was received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Early Head Start Expansion Grant. No county funding is required.

NENA - approved a contract with Sunshine Land Design, Inc. in the amount of $772,735 for construction of the Bluegill Trail, a 5.3 mile-long bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian portion of the Northeast Everglades natural Area (NENA) from Riverbend Park to Sandhill Crane Park.

Towtruck Ordinance - adopted ordinance revisions to require all towing companies in the county to be licensed and meet minimum safety insurance and operating rules; and all towtruck drivers to secure an ID badge, and pass a basic criminal and driving background check. Revised ordinance also includes maximum rates non-consent towing companies can charge consumers, citation fines and minimum insurance levels; and returns licensing requirements that were in place from 1992 – 2002 when all towing companies were required to be licensed.

Ethics Implementation Advisory Committee - adopted a resolution creating the Palm Beach County Inspector General and Commission on Ethics Implementation Advisory Committee to assist staff during the implementation of ordinances.

Homeless Resource Center - adopted a motion to approve the acquisition of a commercial condominium property at 1000 45th Street, West Palm Beach, and its conversion into a homeless resource center; and adopted a motion to approve a Consultant Services Authorization Architectural Continuing Services Contract with MPA Architects, Inc. in the amount of $229,722 for architectural, engineering and construction administration services.

Public Meeting January 12 on Western Northlake Corridor Land Use Study Update

2010-01-12T04:37:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: January 7, 2010
Contact: Jorge Perez, (561) 233-5312
Reporters and residents are invited to attend an informational public meeting regarding the preliminary findings of the latest update to the Western Northlake Corridor Land Use Study (WNCLUS). It will be held on Tuesday, January 12, at 6 p.m., in the Media Room of Seminole Ridge Community High School, 4601 Seminole Pratt-Whitney Road, Loxahatchee.

The land-use study update provides an assessment of the area’s needs for commercial and office uses, according to population and projected growth. Planners from Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and the Indian Trail Improvement District will be available to answer questions.

Who: Palm Beach County Planning Division
City of Palm Beach Gardens
City of West Palm Beach
Indian Trail Improvement District
What: Public meeting on WNCLUS updates
When: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 6 p.m.
Where: Seminole Ridge Community High School, Media Room
4601 Seminole Pratt-Whitney Road, Loxahatchee
Contact: Jorge Perez, PBC Planning Division, (561) 233-5312

Adult, Teen and Children February Events @ your city library

2010-01-11T17:13:00.001-08:00

West Palm Beach Public Library

411 Clematis Street

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

561-868-7701

www.mycitylibrary.org

Adult, Teen and Children February Events @ your city library

Adult Events

Monday Night Movies @ your city Library: Celebrate Black History Month

Mondays, February 1 & 22 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Come join us every Monday night for free movies! Auditorium.

February 1 – Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself – PG13 – After Madea catches children looting her home,

she turns them over to their Aunt April, a nightclub singer who wants nothing to do with her late sister's kids.

The hard-living singer discovers the importance of family with the help of a handsome Mexican immigrant.

February 22 – Black August – NR – Based on the true life story of George Jackson, a prolific human and civil rights activist

and philosophical patron of the Black Panther Party.

Ballroom Dancing @ your city library

Mondays, February 1, 8, 22 6:00 to 7:45 pm

Come learn how to dance with instructor Pepe’ at the library! Pre-function lobby.

Spanish Conversation Group for Beginners

Mondays 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Have you always wanted to learn Spanish? Now is your chance! This beginner group,

led by Oscar Castañeda, gives you an opportunity to practice what you have learned in a conversational setting.

Third floor Hibiscus Room.

How to get the Best Long Term Care and Pay for it Without Going Broke!

Tuesday, February 2 2:00 to 4:00 pm

The laws of asset protection and long term planning have recently changed to your advantage. Shalloway and Shalloway

will explain how to get the care you want for your loved one without worrying about the expense. Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Meditation Class

Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Learn the tools necessary to begin and sustain a meditation practice in the tradition of calm abiding

will be presented: good sitting posture, how to relate to the breath, and what to do when thoughts come up, and more.

Each class will begin with meditation instruction followed by group reading and discussion about a selected topic.

February’s book is Practicing Peace in Times of War by Pema Chodron. Auditorium.

Learn Beginning French

Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Are you interested in learning the French language? Join instructor Natacha as she teaches you the basics of French

grammar in a fun and interactive way! Third floor Iris Room.

Argentine Tango

Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Come out to the library and learn the Argentine Tango with George from Exclusively Argentine Tango at George’s! Pre-function Lobby.

Yoga @ your city library

Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Bring your mat and practice your yoga at the library! Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

Beginning Tai-chi @ your city library

Fridays, February 5, 12, 19, 26 10:30 to 11:30 am

Join Bill Ram-Z as he teaches you the exercise of tai-chi. Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

Expectant and New Moms Workshops

Fridays, February 5, 12 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Are you an expectant or new mom? Join Dr. Kimberly O’Gorman of Power Chiropractic as she discusses a myriad of topics ranging from managing pain naturally throughout pregnancy, child birth itself, diet, and exercise before and after baby to life with a new baby! Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Yoga @ your city library

Saturday, February 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30 to 11:30 am

Bring your mat and practice your yoga at the library!

Sponsored by a grant from the Quantum Foundation. Auditorium.

Sculpture Program with Susan Stein!

Saturday, February 6 2:00 to 4:00 pm

“Tell a Story in Clay” with award-winning international sculptor, Susan Stein.

Third floor Hibiscus Room

Music for a Sunday Afternoon:

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Praise Gospel Choir: Celebrating Black History Month

Sunday, February 7 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Please join us as we welcome Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Praise Gospel

Choir for a free musical concert!

Celebrating Black History Month. Auditorium.

Meet the Author: Tim Dorsey!

Tuesday, February 9 1:00-2:00 pm

Come out to the West Palm Beach Public Library and meet best-selling author, Tim Dorsey!

He will discuss and sign copies of his new book, Gator a-Go-Go. Auditorium.

Money Fitness Workshops: Presented by consumer credit expert, Mike Schiano!

Wednesday, February 10 7:00 to 8:00 pm

Join us for a series of "Money-Fit" workshops presented by nationally recognized consumer credit

and debt management expert, Mike Schiano.
Mike will be providing free informational seminars on making smart financial decisions.

In February the seminar will be titled “Give Yourself Credit!

Understanding Your Credit Report and Boosting Your Credit Score.”

Third floor Clematis Room.

Second Saturday Book Club

Saturday, February 13 10:30 am to noon

Join the Book Club on the Third floor Hibiscus Room for a lively discussion of selected books.

This month’s title is My Life in France by Julia Child. Third floor Hibiscus Room.

Live Argentine Tango Performance!

Sunday, February 14 2:00 to 3:30 pm

Come out on Sunday afternoon and join us for beautiful Argentine tango performances.

Both traditional and modern tango will be presented. Auditorium.

Smart Choices in Retirement

Wednesday, February 17 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Join us for a free seminar presented by Edward Jones, financial advisor Jim Smeenge,

to learn how to make your money last with the goal of providing a stable, steady retirement.

Third floor Hibiscus Room

Book Talk

Thursday, February 18 12:15 to 12:45 pm

Join us every third Thursday for book discussions on selected topics.

In February, the Book Goddess will present a sampler of great African American literature.

Third floor Hibiscus Room

Amigos de Nuestra Literatura

Saturday, February 20 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

The Spanish book club meets on the third Saturday of every month.

This month’s novel to be announced. Third floor Iris Room.

iCinema: independent and international films @ your city library

Sunday, February 21 2:00 to 3:30 pm

Come out and watch the film Kolya. The perfect grouch has met his match.

A five-year-old boy named Kolya.

Rated PG-13. iCinema films are intended for mature audiences. Auditorium.

Just for Mystery Lovers Book Club

Saturday, February 27 10:30 to 12:00 pm

Join mystery lovers to discuss a mystery that will leave you intrigued.

This month’s novel is The Fault Tree by Louise Ure. Third floor Iris Room.

Teen Events for February

Cool-Off Cinema

Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00pm

Chill-lax with some cool films! Teen Choice: U Pic the Flic!

2nd Floor

Rise Out Loud! Writing and Performance Workshops for Teens

Thursday, Feb. 4, 6:00-8:00pm

Join slam poet and educator Casandra Tanenbaum, and special guest performers for monthly workshops

to train your performances for all audiences and occasions: from the recording studio to the big stage!

Workshops incorporate visioning and creative writing exercises and instruction, vocal training and presentation skill development.

Also, learn ‘poetry slam tips and techniques’ from the pros, and create a range of solo and

ensemble performances to beef up your college portfolios! Computer Lab

Rise Out Loud! Writing and Performance Workshops for Teens

Saturday, Feb. 6, 1:00-3:00pm

Join slam poet and educator Casandra Tanenbaum, and special guest performers for monthly

workshops to train your performances for all audiences and occasions: from the recording studio to the big stage!

Workshops incorporate visioning and creative writing exercises and instruction, vocal training and

presentation skill development. Also, learn ‘poetry slam tips and techniques’ from the pros, and create a range of solo

and ensemble performances to beef up your college portfolios! Hibiscus Room

OMG! Oh My Gaming!

Saturday, Feb. 20, 1:00-3:00pm

We're playing video games at the library. Free! 2nd Floor

Princess Moviepalooza

Friday, Feb. 26, 10:00-4:00pm

While your teachers are at work wishing their fairy godmother would come rescue them,

come watch princess themed movies at the library. You bring the fun and we’ll provide the snacks.

Tiaras optional. 2nd Floor

Picture Perfect

Saturday, Feb. 27, 3:00-4:30pm

Teens learn how to edit and create cool effects with your digital photos using Picasa.

Computer Lab

Children & Family Events for February

Story Time

Preschool Story Time

Tuesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 & 23

10:30 am & 2:00 pm

Join Ms. Kathy on Tuesdays for stories, songs, crafts and fun while building language skills.

Registration required. Ages: 3, 4 and 5 years. Children’s Program Space.

Toddler Story Time

Wednesdays, Feb. 3, 10, 17 & 24

10:30 am & 2:00 pm

Join Ms. Jeanne on Wednesdays and nurture a love of books; learn rhymes, sounds, and new words.

Enjoy musical activities! Registration required. Ages: 2 and 3 years. Children’s Program Space.

Baby Story Time

Fridays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 & 26

10:30 am & 2:00 pm

Join Ms. Judy on Fridays to delight and stimulate your baby's senses with books and music.

Registration required. Ages: babies, 12-24 months. Children’s Program Space.

Homework Help Tuesdays

Tuesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 & 23

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Get help with your school work! Come in on Tuesdays to get the help you need!

Ages: Grades 1 - 5

Children’s Small Program Space.

Sundays @ 2 for families

Sundays: Feb. 14

2:00 pm

Celebrate Black History

Sculpture Artist, Nancy Palowski will present a clay program.

Families will create their own

special works! Free! Children’s Program Space.

Saturday Kids’ Club

Saturdays: Feb. 13

2:00 pm

Join the best book club on the planet! Read, laugh & play! Stop by “KidSpace’ to check

out the book and register! For kids, K – 1st Grade. Children’s Program Space

Science Projects 101

Sunday: Feb. 28

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn about science and the Scientific Method through FUN hands-on science experiments.

Free! Registration required. Auditorium

Sponsored by the West Palm Beach Library Foundation and the Wachovia Foundation.

Dog Tales

West Palm Beach Public Library is going to the DOGS!

Reluctant readers can hone their skills by reading to our specially trained therapy dogs:

Tuesdays 3:30 – 4:30pm

Wednesdays 4:00—5:00pm

Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm

Saturdays 1:00 – 2:00pm

Free! Sign-in @ the desk! KidSpace.

Monday Night Movies: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Monday February 8 6:00pm – 8:00pm

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." In a town where food drops from the sky like rain,

a young inventor hopes to create something that will change everyone's life.

Rated PG. Auditorium

Salon Bella Vita Cut-A-Thon

2010-01-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

Visit PBSFA.org for more information about The Palm Beach School for Autism

County to Open Cold Weather Shelters: Update

2010-01-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

For immediate release: January 7, 2010
Contact: Mary Blakeney 561-712-6400, 561-319-8494
The Palm Beach County Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management has activated the Cold Weather Emergency Shelter Plan for all of Palm Beach County for this evening (Thursday). The following cold weather emergency shelters will be open beginning at 7 p.m.

Westgate Community Center Gymnasium
3691 Oswego Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

West County Senior Citizens Center
2916 State Road 15
Belle Glade, FL 33430

Transportation can be arranged by dialing 211 (Palm Beach County Crisis Line). Residents seeking refuge from the cold in western Palm Beach County should contact their local police department or dial 211.

The National Weather Service predicts the lowest temperature tonight for the Inland area will be 41 degrees; and will be in the mid 40’s around sunrise. The lowest wind chill will be 40 degrees. The lowest temperature tonight for the Metro/Coastal area will be 41 degrees; most of the night will be 41-45 degrees.

The lowest temperature tonight for the Metro/Coastal area will be 41 degrees; most of the night will be 41-45 degrees. The Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor weather developments and make announcements on any further shelter openings as necessary.

Cold Florida Weather Can be Deadly to Our Pets

2010-01-07T05:02:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: January 5, 2010
Contact: Elizabeth Harfmann, 561-233-1222
Keep your pets safe and warm during winter cold spells. Winter weather can be deadly for pets even in typically warmer climates such as Florida where pets are not accustomed to colder temperatures. Follow these simple tips to assure your pet stays safe and warm during the winter season:

If the temperature falls below 40 degrees, all pets need to be brought indoors or provided adequate heating to keep them warm (i.e. extra blankets, coats, heaters).
During the winter, outdoor cats will search for warmer hiding places, such as under the hoods of cars. Honk your horn or tap the hood of your car before starting the engine so they can escape.
Puppies and many small breed dogs do not tolerate the cold very well. If your dog is sensitive to the cold because of age, illness or breed type, be sure not to leave them outdoors for long periods of time.
Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. A longer coat will provide more warmth. Consider getting a coat or sweater for short-haired breeds.
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep that is away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
Provide your pet with plenty of food and water. Be sure it does not freeze over if left outside.
If you do not have a pet to keep warm during the winter season, consider saving a life and adopting a shelter pet. Animal Care and Control is located at 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, just west of the Florida Turnpike overpass.
For additional information, please contact Elizabeth Harfmann at 561-233-1222 or e-mail pbcacc@pbcgov.org or visit www.pbcgov.com/animal.

Free Financial Fitness Workshops at Broward and WPB Libraries

2010-01-06T04:48:00.001-08:00

Date, Time, and Location:
January 11, 2-3pm Broward Main Library.
January 13, 7-8pm West Palm Beach Main Library

Details or Description:
Author, Broadcaster and Consumer Finance Expert, Mike Schiano, who serves as the Director of Education for Consumer Advocates Credit Counselors, Inc., (CACC), a non-profit Credit Counseling and Education Organization based in South Florida will be presenting monthly personal finance workshops at the Broward County and West Palm Beach Public Library’s main branches starting this month. Workshops will run approximately 1- hour and are open and Free to the public.

Mike will present entertaining and very informative sessions on important personal finance topics that will help attendees manage their money better especially in building credit and managing and avoiding debt.

Topics for the next few months will include:

January - Managing Money in Tough Times – Start 2010 with Smart Money Strategies
February - Give Yourself Credit! Understanding Your Credit Report and Boosting Your Credit Score
March - Budgets are like Diets! Creating and Using a Spending Plan
April - Managing Your Way out of Debt!
May - Fighting Identity Theft and Financial Fraud
June - Creative Ways to Teach Kids about Money

Schiano says, “Consumers are still under a great deal of financial stress as the unemployment rate continues to increase and these workshops will help any consumer, employed or otherwise, student or experienced adult, to make more confident and successful financial decisions.”
#
Workshop Locations, Dates and Times:
Broward County Main Library
100 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Workshops are scheduled for Mondays - 2-3pm on January 11, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, and June 7. Call 954-357-7439 to register to attend.

West Palm Beach Public Library
411 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Workshops are scheduled for Wednesdays - 7-8pm January 13, February 10 and March 10th
Contact: Theresa Trabucco (561) 868-7791

Discover Church's LOVE STORIES Series

2010-01-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

Date, Time, and Location:
Dates:
Jan 10th
Jan 24th
Feb 14th
Feb 28th

Time:
6:00 - 7:15 PM

Location:
Hilton Garden Inn
(PGA Blvd East of I 95)

Details or Description:
Everyone Likes a Good Love Story...

Join us as we look at some of the major love stories of history and how they can relate to your life now!

For more info:
www.DiscoverChurchPBC.com

County to Open Cold Weather Shelters

2010-01-05T03:53:00.000-08:00

For immediate release: January 4, 2010
Contact: Mary Blakeney 561-712-6400, 561-319-8494
The Palm Beach County Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management has activated the Cold Weather Emergency Shelter Plan for all of Palm Beach County for this evening (Monday). The following cold weather emergency shelters will be open beginning at 7 p.m.

Westgate Community Center Gymnasium
3691 Oswego Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

West County Senior Citizens Center
2916 State Road 15
Belle Glade, FL 33430

Transportation can be arranged by dialing 211 (Palm Beach County Crisis Line). Residents seeking refuge from the cold in western Palm Beach County should contact their local police department or dial 211.

Temperatures may once again fall to around 32 for a few hours
Monday night into Tuesday morning across parts of Palm Beach County. Freezing temperatures will also be possible again Wednesday morning so a freeze watch continues for these areas for Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

The Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor weather developments and make announcements on any further shelter openings as necessary.

Boca Raton Board meetings and Events for the Week of Jan 5, 2010

2010-01-04T05:02:00.000-08:00

Board Meetings January 4 – 8

Parks and Recreation Board – Tuesday, January 5, 5:15 pm, Count deHoernle Train Depot

North Federal Highway Steering Committee - Tuesday, January 5, 6:00 pm, City Hall

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, January 5, 7:00 pm - Agenda

Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee - Wednesday, January 6, 4:00 pm, City Hall

Elder Affairs Advisory Board – Wednesday, January 6, 4:00 pm, Police Services

Marine Advisory Board – Wednesday, January 6, 7:00 pm, Municipal Services

Green Living Task Force – Thursday, January 7, 8:30 am, 6500 Building

People With Disabilities Board – Thursday, January 7, 7:00 pm, City Hall

Boca Raton Green Market – Reopens Saturday, January 9

Mainstream Teen Center

Special Events

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm – Saturday, 11:30 am

Wetlands Walk – Tuesday, January 5, 9:00 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Leaf Printing – Thursday, January 7, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Solar Science – Friday, January 8, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Day Trip: The Everglades Living Laboratory – Saturday, January 9, 9:45 am

Dissect-a-Log – Saturday, January 9, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Tech City exhibit – through January 2010, Children’s Science Explorium

Sing Song Story Time – Monday, January 4, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Theatre: Chapter Two – Friday, January 8, 8:00 pm

Saturday, January 9, 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm

Sunday, January 10, 2:00 pm

Libraries

Downtown Drop-In Story Time – Mondays, 7:00 pm; Thursdays and Saturdays, 10:00 am

SRL TEEN: Video Games Galore – Tuesday, January 5, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

SRL Tail Waggin’ Tutor Program – Monday, December 28, 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

SRL TWEEN: Design Your Own Pillowcase – Wednesday, January 6, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

DT Teen Movie Club: Inkheart (PG) – Thursday, January 7, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

SRL Special: Suzy Hammer as The Bookworm – Friday, January 8, 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm

Spanish River Music Series – Sunday, January 10, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The Swim Center

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Learn How to Organize your Home Office!

2010-01-04T04:57:00.000-08:00

Date, Time, and Location:
Friday, January 8th, 10:30am West Palm Beach Public Library

Details or Description:
Is your New Year's resolution to get better organized? Laura Johnston from "Clear Desk Organizing" will be presenting ideas and creative ways of organizing your home office or small business office to help you declutter your space. To be held at the West Palm Beach Public Library.

The program is free and open to all! For more information contact the library at 561-868-7701 or visit www.mycitylibrary.org.-

H1N1 FLU VACCINATION LOCATIONS UPDATE PALM BEACH COUNTY

2009-12-29T05:21:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA ONLY: TIM O’CONNOR December 28, 2009 561-671-4013 or press50@doh.state.fl.us

The Palm Beach County Health Department continues to make the H1N1 vaccine available at FREE public vaccination clinics scheduled throughout our community on a first come first served basis. Palm Beach County Residents are being offered the “mist” or “injectable” versions of the vaccine which is administered at no cost.

December 28th - Monday Town of Ocean Ridge Municipal Complex 6450 North Ocean Boulevard Ocean Ridge 10:00 am to 2 pm

December 28th - Monday Lake Worth Service Center 4220 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

December 29th - Tuesday Palms West Presbyterian Church 13689 Okeechobee Boulevard Loxahatchee Groves 10:00 am to 2 pm

December 29th - Tuesday Rhemi Church 2015 S. Federal Hwy Boynton Beach 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

December 29th - Tuesday El Bodegon Supermercado 4704 Forest Hill Boulevard West Palm Beach 4:00 pm to 7 pm

January 5th - Tuesday Palm Beach County Court Administration Bldg 205 North Dixie Highway West Palm Beach 10:00 am to 2:00pm

January 6th – Wednesday Howell L. Watkins Middle School 9480 Macarthur Boulevard West Palm Beach 4:30pm to 8:30pm

January 9th – Saturday Palm Beach Lakes Community High School 3505 Shiloh Drive 10:00am to 2:00pm

The vaccine is also available at 5 of our Health Centers in Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Belle Glade by appointment by calling 1-888-411-4FLU and on a limited availability walk-in basis.

Information on the Palm Beach County Health Department Vaccination Outreach locations and appointments at our Health Centers are available by calling our toll-free Palm Beach County Flu Information line at 1-888-411-4FLU (4358) or visiting our website at www.FightFluFlorida.com.

As always, practice flu prevention:
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizers frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get Vaccinated!

Free Lecture Series

2009-12-29T05:16:00.001-08:00

Art Deco First Wednesdays 2010

First Wednesday Evenings of Jan, Feb, Mar, & April

Historic Art Deco Armory Art Center

1700 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL

7 p.m. / Free Parking / Free Refreshments

January 6 ~ “Wicked Palm Beach”

By Eliot Kleinberg / Author and Palm Beach Post Journalist

An inside look at Prohibition and the Jazz Age days of Palm Beach in Kleinberg’s book 'Wicked Palm Beach: Lifestyles of the Rich and Heinous.'

From rum runners to pirates, mobsters to moguls, Palm Beach County has hosted its fair share of questionable characters over the decades. Meet the faces and places that have shaped Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast with renowned local author Eliot Kleinberg who draws on his ''Post Time' column in the Palm Beach Post to offer this unique glimpse into the extraordinary history of Palm Beach. Reception and book signing will follow lecture.

Boca Raton Board meetings and Events for the Week of December 28, 2009

2009-12-28T05:32:00.001-08:00

eFlash!

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

All City facilities will be CLOSED on New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1, unless otherwise noted.

Board Meetings December 28 – December 31

No Board meetings are scheduled.

Boca Raton Green Market – Reopens Saturday, January 9

Mainstream Teen Center

“Wizard’s Ice” Ice Cream Night – Tuesday, December 29, 6:00 pm

Special Events

Children’s Winter Fair at Patch Reef Park – Tuesday, December 29, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm – Saturday, 11:30 am

Boca Beachcombing – Tuesday, December 29, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Little Wonders – Wednesday, December 30, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sundays, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Big Wonders – Wednesday, December 30, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Seining the Lagoon – Wednesday, December 30, 2:00 pm

Life on the Rocks – Thursday, December 31, 2:00 pm

Tiny Turtles – Saturday, January 2, 9:30 am – 10:15 am

Kinder Turtles – Saturday, January 2, 10:30 am – 11:15 am

Sugar Sand Park

The Community Center will be open New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1,

from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tech City exhibit – through January 2010, Children’s Science Explorium

Multi-Media art exhibition through December 29, Community Center

Funtacular 09: Holiday Magic Show – Monday, December 28, 11:00 am

Funtacular 09: Character Breakfast with Mr. Brian – Wednesday, December 30, 10:00 am

Funtacular 09: Crafts, Cartoons, and Cookies – Thursday, December 31, 10:00 am

Libraries

Downtown Drop-In Story Time – Monday, 7:00 pm; Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 am

SRL Tail Waggin’ Tutor Program – Monday, December 28, 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

The Swim Center

Patch Reef Tennis Center

This facility will be open from 7:30 am – 12:00 pm on New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1.

H1N1 FLU VACCINATION LOCATIONS UPDATE PALM BEACH COUNTY

2009-12-22T05:22:00.001-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA ONLY: TIM O’CONNOR December 21, 2009 561-671-4013 or press50@doh.state.fl.us

The Palm Beach County Health Department continues to make the H1N1 vaccine available at FREE public vaccination clinics scheduled throughout our community on a first come first served basis. Palm Beach County Residents are being offered the “mist” or “injectable” versions of the vaccine which is administered at no cost.
December 22nd - Tuesday City of Palm Beach Gardens Central Fire Station #1 Corner of Burns Road & Military Trail Palm Beach Gardens 9:00 am to Noon
December 22nd - Tuesday Kevin Harvin Center 1030 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard Royal Palm Beach Registration: 9:00 am
December 23rd - Wednesday Jupiter Pre-School 17593 Cinquez Park Road West Jupiter 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
December 22nd - Tuesday El Bodegon Supermercado 6128 S Congress Avenue Lantana 4:00 pm to 7 pm
December 28th - Monday Town of Ocean Ridge Municipal Complex 6450 North Ocean Boulevard Ocean Ridge 10:00 am to 2 pm
December 28th - Monday Lake Worth Service Center 4220 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
December 29th - Tuesday Palms West Presbyterian Church 13689 Okeechobee Boulevard Loxahatchee Groves 10:00 am to 2 pm
December 29th - Tuesday El Bodegon Supermercado 4704 Forest Hill Boulevard West Palm Beach 4:00 pm to 7 pm
The vaccine is also available at 5 of our Health Centers in Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Belle Glade by appointment by calling 1-888-411-4FLU and on a limited availability walk-in basis.
Information on the Palm Beach County Health Department Vaccination Outreach locations and appointments at our Health Centers are available by calling our toll-free Palm Beach County Flu Information line at 1-888-411-4FLU (4358) or visiting our website at www.FightFluFlorida.com. As always, practice flu prevention:
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizers frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get Vaccinated!

Consumer Traps & Tips # 56 - Holiday Returns/Refunds

2009-12-22T05:19:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: December 21, 2009
Contact: Dennis Moore, 561-712-6600 • PBC Consumer Affairs Division
A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
Trap

Cha-ching! Black Friday deals! This year Bill and Ella finished holiday shopping early – they even got an iPod, Xbox and a big flat screen TV on Thanksgiving weekend! But, two weeks later they realized all that spending was just too much and decided to return many of the items. Expecting refunds, they learned about re-stocking fees and “store credits only,” even though they had receipts. At one store they discovered that “all sales were final.” Sadly, Bill and Ella learned that gone are the days when you can walk in a store, return the items and get all your money back.

Tips

It’s the law: Retailers that DO NOT offer refunds or exchanges MUST post a sign saying so. If no such sign is posted, then the store must provide its policy in writing when asked. The law also requires stores with no refund or exchange policy to provide refunds within seven days of the date of purchase when the original receipt is presented, and the items were not used and in the original packing.
On pricey electronics, check the store refund or exchange policy before purchasing. Retailers may have their policies on the receipt. Keep it as proof of purchase. Get a gift receipt to be included with the gift, just in case.
Always look for the refund/return/exchange policies which are usually posted in the customer service area or at cash registers. Do not assume the regular return policy applies to sales or clearance items. Some merchants consider sale items to be final, so ask.
Remember, during the holidays stores may hire seasonal workers who may not be familiar with all the store policies. Be patient and ask to speak with a manager. Be prepared with your original receipts.
If a store’s policy is “All Sales Final,” but the information is not posted at the point-of-sale or you had other issues related to refund, call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/ Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit the Web site, http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer, to file a complaint.

Volunteers to Plant Mangroves at Ibis Isle Jan. 9 and Jan. 23

2009-12-21T06:18:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: December 18, 2009
Contact: Julie Mitchell, 561-233-2437
On Saturday, January 9 and January 23, 2010, 100 volunteers will gather at Phipps Ocean Park in Palm Beach to plant more than 12,000 mangroves as part of the Ibis Isle Restoration Project.

The Environmental Resources Management project involved the placement of sand and limestone rock over 8 acres of muck sediments to create critical shallow water habitat within the Lake Worth Lagoon. The lagoon is Palm Beach County’s largest estuary, extending about 20 miles from the Village of North Palm Beach to the Town of Ocean Ridge.

Mangroves are found throughout the lagoon and are an important part of a healthy estuarine system. They provide a valuable nursery area for fish and invertebrates and physical habitat for a variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods. Mangroves protect shorelines from damaging winds, waves and floods and help prevent erosion by stabilizing sediments with their tangled root systems. They also maintain water quality and clarity, filtering pollutants and trapping sediments originating from land.

This project is the result of the successful collaboration between the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners through its Department of Environmental Resources Management, the Town of Palm Beach, the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and local residents.

For more information, please contact the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management:

Ibis Isle Restoration Project - Julie Mitchell, 561-233-2437
Volunteer Mangrove Planting - Ann Matthews, 561-233-2426
# # #

Keep Pets Safe and Warm for the Winter Season

2009-12-21T06:16:00.000-08:00

For immediate release: December 18, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth Harfmann, 561-233-1222
Winter weather can be deadly for pets, even in typically warmer climates such as Florida where pets are not accustomed to colder temperatures. Follow these simple tips to assure your pet stays safe and warm during the winter season:

During the winter, outdoor cats will search for warmer hiding places, such as under the hoods of cars. Honk your horn or tap the hood of your car before starting the engine so they can escape.
Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs. If your dog is sensitive to the cold because of age, illness or breed type, be sure not to leave them outdoors for long periods of time.
Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. A longer coat will provide more warmth. Consider getting a coat or sweater for short-haired breeds.
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep that is away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
If the temperature falls below 40 degrees, all pets need to be brought indoors or provided adequate heating to keep them warm.
If you do not have a pet to keep warm during the winter season, consider saving a life and adopting a shelter pet. Animal Care and Control is located at 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, just west of the Florida Turnpike overpass.

For additional information, please contact Elizabeth Harfmann at 561-233-1222 or e-mail pbcacc@pbcgov.org or visit www.pbcgov.com/animal.

Boca Raton Board meetings and Events for the Week of December 21, 2009

2009-12-19T07:00:00.001-08:00

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

City facilities will be closed on Christmas Day,

Friday, December 25.

Board Meetings December 21 – December 24

Community Appearance Board – Monday, December 21, 3:00 pm – Agenda

Community Relations Board – Monday, December 21, 6:00 pm – Police Services

Boca Raton Green Market – Reopens Saturday, January 9

Mainstream Teen Center

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm – Saturday, 11:30 am

Gyotaku – Tuesday, December 22, 10:00 am

Boca Trails for Adults – Wednesday, December 23, 9:00 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesday, December 23, 10:00 am

Nature in Miniature – Wednesday, December 23, 1:00 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Tech City exhibit – through January 2010, Children’s Science Explorium

Multi-Media art exhibition through December 29, Community Center

Libraries

Downtown Drop-In Story Time – Monday, 7:00 pm; Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 am

The Swim Center

Historic Art Deco Armory Art Center

2009-12-17T04:50:00.000-08:00

Art Deco First Wednesdays 2010
First Wednesday Evenings of Jan, Feb, Mar, & April

January 6, February 3, March 3, & April 7

Free Lecture Series

Historic Art Deco Armory Art Center
1700 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL

7 p.m. / Free Parking / Free Refreshments

January 6 ~ “Wicked Palm Beach”
By Eliot Kleinberg / Author and Palm Beach Post Journalist
An inside look at Prohibition and the Jazz Age days of Palm Beach in Kleinberg’s book 'Wicked Palm Beach: Lifestyles of the Rich and Heinous.'

From rumrunners to pirates, mobsters to moguls, Palm Beach County has hosted its fair share of questionable characters over the decades. Meet the faces and places that have shaped Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast with renowned local author Eliot Kleinberg who draws on his ''Post Time' column in the Palm Beach Post to offer this unique glimpse into the extraordinary history of Palm Beach. Reception and book signing will follow lecture.

February 3 ~“AMERICAN MODERNIST: RUSSEL, THE OTHER WRIGHT”
By Scott Timm / Collector & Executive Director MiMo Business Improvement Committee, Miami Modern District
Russel Wright (not Frank Lloyd) designed dinnerware, wooden furniture, accessories, textiles, and more. Wright’s style persuaded Americans to embrace Modernism from 1930s to 1950s.

March 3 ~ Bigger is Better: WPA Murals
By Sharon Koskoff / Mural Artist and Designer
The history of large-scale mural painting in Palm Beach County and its relationship with the WPA Murals of the New Deal Era.

April 7 ~ “Art Deco of the Palm Beaches”
By Sharon Koskoff / Author and founding president ADSPB
Take virtual tours of Art Deco “Arts Buildings” found in Palm Beach County and learn about Streamline Moderne Art, Architecture, and Culture.
RSVP
Phone (561) 276-9925 Delray Beach or (561) 863-2446 WPB
ArtDecoPB@comcast.net ~ ArtDecoPB.org

Antiques Delight in South Beach 2010 One-Day Bus Trip to Miami Beach

2009-12-17T04:49:00.001-08:00

For Immediate Release!
Contact Person Sharon Koskoff 561 276-9925
Please Publish!

Antiques Delight in South Beach 2010
One-Day Bus Trip to Miami Beach

Sunday January 24th

Who: Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches (ADSPB)
What: Art, Antiques, & Architectural Tour
Where: One-Day Bus Trip to Southbeach’s Art Deco District
When: Sunday January 24, 2010
Departure: West Palm Beach & Delray Beach
Time: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: RSVP only $89 per person, all inclusive .

• A Champagne Continental Breakfast Will Be Served!
• Visit the Antique Collectible Street Fair and Green Market On Lincoln Road
• 5 Star Lunch at Art Deco Wish Restaurant at “The Hotel”, designed by Todd Oldham
• Tour The Art Deco Architecture of Southbeach
• Original Antique Show / Miami Convention Center

The public is invited to attend the 22nd Annual Southbeach Blast one-day bus trip leaving the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach and the Delray Beach Public Library. A champagne continental breakfast will be served and stroll the Antique Collectible Market on Lincoln Road. A five star lunch at Art Deco Wish restaurant, designed by Todd Oldham, features choice of fish, chicken, or pasta. Then off to the largest antique show in the world “The Original Antique Show”, at the Miami Convention Center. Free raffle prizes for the ride home!

The trip is always sold out! Please call for reservations:

Delray Beach - Sharon (561) 276-9925 or WPB - Amy (561) 863-2446
Or Email: ArtDecoPB@comcast.net Website: ArtDecoPB.org

Departure Locations
Armory Art Center / 1700 Parker Ave., WPB / 8:30 a.m.
Delray Beach Public Library / 100 West Atlantic Ave. / Rear Parking Lot 9:00 a.m.
Free Raffle Prizes & Videos for Ride Home! Return 6:00 p.m.

BCC Briefs from December 15 meeting

2009-12-17T04:45:00.001-08:00

At the December 15, 2009, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Ethics Reform – adopted a series of ordinances establishing an independent Office of Inspector General, an independent Commission on Ethics, and a local Code of Ethics for county employees and elected and appointed officials.

PREM - adopted an amendment to the Property and Real Estate Management (PREM) ordinance requiring all purchases, sales and exchanges of real property other than interdepartmental transactions to be approved by a supermajority vote of the BCC. The amendment also provides for establishment of a property review committee to review, evaluate and advise the BCC on real estate transactions.

Transit Oriented Development – directed staff to proceed with advertising a request for proposals (RFP) for development of a county-owned parcel known as the wedge located within the West Palm Beach transit-oriented development (TOD) district.

Towing Companies – approved on preliminary reading and to advertise for public hearing on Jan. 12, 2010, amendments to the county tow truck ordinance requiring all tow truck drivers to have an I.D. badge and pass a basic criminal and diving record background checks, and for all towing companies in PBC to be licensed and meet minimum safety, insurance and operating rules.

Climate Change – adopted amendments to the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, a coordinated climate change strategy with Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Amendments include the addition of nuclear energy to the suggested policy statement issues and language stating that no county will work at cross-purpose with the other counties.

Fire-Rescue – adopted an ordinance amending the boundaries of the Fire-Rescue MSTU to include the Town of South Palm Beach; also approved a consulting/professional services agreement with Kathleen Owens to assist with implementation of a level-of-service common communication/dispatch system.

Economic Development – approved creation of a time-limited economic development specialist to be paid by federal energy grant funds under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The position will terminate upon exhaustion of federal funds on August 30, 2012.

Convention Center – approved an extension to the existing agreement with Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services at the Palm Beach County Convention Center for food and beverage services through June 30, 2010.

Airport Hilton – granted an 18-month extension to Shiraz, Inc., owner/operator of the Airport Centre Hilton, to complete expansion of the hotel’s meeting room facilities.

Consumer Traps & Tips # 55 - Gift Cards

2009-12-15T04:54:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: December 14, 2009
Contact: Dennis Moore, 561-712-6600 • PBC Consumer Affairs Division
A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
Trap

Racks of colorful gift cards seemed to greet Matthew everywhere he shopped. He liked the convenience of purchasing gift cards as last minute gifts for those on his list who were hard to buy for, but he was overwhelmed by the choices. Which is better, a general purpose gift card redeemable at most retail establishments or a store gift card redeemable at a specific retailer or restaurant?

Tips

Before purchasing or using a gift card, consider the following:

General purpose gift cards, also known as bank cards are sold through companies like Visa, MasterCard and American Express. They are accepted by most stores and restaurants. General purpose gift cards may have an expiration date and activation or transaction fees.
Store/restaurant gift cards also known as retail cards are sold by retailers and restaurants and can only be used with the named merchant. In 2007, Florida enacted a law making it illegal for retail cards to have an expiration date or any fees that would reduce the card’s value. It is important to consider the financial health of a store selling the card. If the store closes or files for bankruptcy, the gift card may be worthless. A good practice is to use a gift card as soon as possible.
Split payments: Check with the cashier before using a gift card when the purchase price is greater than the face value of the card. Most large chain stores accept split payments with their gift cards. A general purpose gift card sometimes does not allow split payments.
Avoid buying gift cards from online auction sites, because the cards may be counterfeit or may have been obtained fraudulently.
Resources: Consumer Federation of America http://www.consumerfed.org; Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov.
For more information, contact Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or check our Web site at: http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer.

Boca Raton Board meetings and Events for the Week of December 15, 2009

2009-12-15T04:40:00.001-08:00

eFlash!

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

Board Meetings December 14 – December 18

Citizens’ Pedestrian & Bikeway Advisory Board – Monday, December 14, 7:30 pm – City Hall

Historic Preservation Board – Tuesday, December 15, 5:00 pm, City Hall

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, December 15, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee – Wednesday, December 16, 4:00 pm – City Hall Library Advisory Board – Wednesday, December 16, 4:00 pm, Spanish River Library

Airport Authority – Wednesday, December 16, 6:00 pm – City Hall

Green Living Task Force – Thursday, December 17, 8:30 am, 6500 Building

Holiday Sweets – Friday, December 18, 6:00 pm, Sanborn Square

Holiday Boat Parade – Saturday, December 19, 6:30 pm

Boca Raton Green Market – Saturday, December 19, 8:00 am, Royal Palm Plaza

Mainstream Teen Center

Holiday Present Wrapping Party – Friday, December 18, 5:30 pm

Cinemark Movies – Saturday, December 19, TBA

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm – Saturday, 11:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesday and Sunday, 10:00 am

Night Explorers – Friday, December 18, 7:00 pm

Bird Walk – Saturday, December 19, 9:00 am

Beach Jewelry – Saturday, December 19, 1:30 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Tech City exhibit – through January 2010, Children’s Science Explorium

Multi-Media art exhibition through December 29, Community Center

Playground Playdate – Saturday, December 19, 1:00 pm

Holiday Harmony – Saturday, December 19, 8:00 pm – Sunday, December 20, 2:00 pm,

Willow Theatre

Libraries

Downtown Drop-In Story Time – Monday, 7:00 pm; Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 am

Tail Waggin Tutor Program – Monday, December 14, 4:30 pm, Spanish River Library

Teen Rock Band – Tuesday, December 15, 4:30 pm, Spanish River Library

Tween Anime Club – Wednesday, December 16, 4:30 pm, Spanish River Library

Winter Program Registration – Friday, December 18, all day, both Libraries

Tail Waggin Tutor Program – Sunday, December 20, 2:00 pm, Spanish River Library

The Swim Center

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Public Meeting January 12 on Western Northlake Corridor Land Use Study Update

2009-12-12T04:21:00.000-08:00

For immediate release: December 11, 2009
Contact: Jorge Perez, (561) 233-5312

Planners from Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and the Indian Trail Improvement District will host an informational public meeting regarding the preliminary findings of the latest update to the Western Northlake Corridor Land Use Study (WNCLUS).

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 12, at 6 p.m., in the Media Room of Seminole Ridge Community High School, 4601 Seminole Pratt-Whitney Road, Loxahatchee.

There will be a brief PowerPoint presentation followed by a question and answer session. The land-use study update provides an assessment of the area’s needs for commercial and office uses, according to population and projected growth.

Who: Palm Beach County Planning Division
City of Palm Beach Gardens
City of West Palm Beach
Indian Trail Improvement District
What: Public meeting on WNCLUS updates
When: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 6 p.m.
Where: Seminole Ridge Community High School, Media Room
4601 Seminole Pratt-Whitney Road, Loxahatchee
Contact: Jorge Perez, PBC Planning Division, (561) 233-5312

Volunteers to Restore Oyster Reefs in Lake Worth Lagoon Saturday

2009-12-11T04:40:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: December 1, 2009
Contact: Ginny Powell, 561-233-2452 Alyssa Dodd, 561-233-2448
Mike Greenstein, Town of Lantana 561-540-5766
Reporters and photographers are invited to join the Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and its partners for the Volunteer Oyster Reef Restoration Project in the Lake Worth Lagoon on Saturday, December 12. About 150 volunteers will gather at Bicentennial Park in Lantana to fill more than 1,000 netted bags with fossilized shell.

The filled bags will be transported across the bridge to the Lantana Nature Preserve where volunteers will form a “bivalve brigade” to place the bags along the shoreline of the Lake Worth Lagoon. Bagged shell provides a stable base for the development of new oyster reefs which will help create new estuarine habitat and improve water quality.

Project partners include the Town of Lantana, the West Palm Beach Fishing Club, the Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative (www.LWLI.org) and local residents.

Who: Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management
What: Volunteer Oyster Reef Restoration Project
When: Saturday, December 12, 2009 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Note: Placement of bags along shoreline begins around 11 a.m.
Where: Bicentennial Park
321 East Ocean Avenue, Lantana
Contact: Ginny Powell, ERM, 561-233-2452
Alyssa Dodd, ERM, 561-233-2448
Mike Greenstein, Town of Lantana, 561-540-5766

H1N1 FLU VACCINATION LOCATIONS UPDATE PALM BEACH COUNTY

2009-12-11T04:36:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA ONLY: TIM O’CONNOR December 10, 2009 561-671-4013 or Timothy_O’Connor@doh.state.fl.us

The Palm Beach County Health Department continues to make the H1N1 vaccine available at FREE public vaccination clinics scheduled throughout our community on a first come first served basis. Palm Beach County Residents are being offered the “mist” or “injectable” versions of the vaccine which is administered at no cost.

December 12th - Saturday Lantana Lake Worth Health Center 1250 Southwinds Drive Lantana 9 am - 12:30 pm

December 14h - Monday Westgate Elementary School 1545 Loxahatchee Drive West Palm Beach 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

December 14h - Monday Boca Glades Baptist Church 10101 Judge Winikoff Road Boca Raton Registration: 11:30 am

December 15h – Tuesday Village Academy 400 SW 12th Avenue Delray Beach 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

December 16 – Wednesday Seminole Ridge High School 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road Loxahatchee 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

December 17th -Thursday Palm Beach Central High School 8499 W. Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm

December 18th - Friday Lake Worth West Community Center 4730 Maine Street Lake Worth 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

December 19th - Saturday C.L. Brumback Health Center 38754 State Road 80 Belle Glade 9 am - 12:30 pm

The vaccine is also available at 5 of our Health Centers in Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Belle Glade by appointment and on a limited availability walk-in basis.
Information on the Palm Beach County Health Department Vaccination Outreach locations and appointments at our Health Centers are available by calling our toll-free Palm Beach County Flu Information line at 1-888-411-4FLU (4358) or visiting our website at www.FightFluFlorida.com. As always, practice flu prevention:
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizers frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get Vaccinated!

Experimental Dog Breeder Finally Shut Down

2009-12-11T04:34:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: Dec. 9, 2009
Contact: Karen Buchan, 561-233-1280
On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control acted on a court order involving the welfare of dogs owned by James Marinakis. The defendant, Marinakis, was given sufficient time in September 2009 to comply with the courts. As a result of Animal Care and Control’s investigation, he has been shut down and is no longer allowed by the courts to conduct a breeding operation.

Animal Care and Control took custody of 50 dogs upon entry to the property located in the western Boca area on 24 acres adjacent to Everglades National Park. The defendant had been experimenting with various breeds to develop what he described as the “super breed,” the Centurion.

Most of the dogs have medical and behavioral problems and were used solely for breeding purposes. The dogs have had little human interaction, but will be assessed by officials to determine if they are suitable for adoption. There are about 10 puppies that are good candidates for adoption pending a veterinarian examination. Any dog or puppy that can be placed into the shelter adoption program will be available for adoption as soon as possible. For more information, call 561-233-1222.

Boca Raton Board meetings and Events for the Week of December 7, 2009

2009-12-08T09:34:00.001-08:00

Keeping you abreast of this week’s events and important information in Boca Raton..….

Board Meetings December 7 – December 11

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) – Monday, December 7, 1:30 pm – Agenda

City Council Workshop – Monday, December 7, following CRA meeting – Agenda

Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee – Monday, December 7, 5:00 pm – City Hall

Financial Advisory Board – Monday, December 7, 5:00 pm – City Hall

City Council Meeting – Tuesday, December 8, 6:00 pm – Agenda

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, December 8, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Holiday Hoedown Street Parade – Wednesday, December 9, 7:30 pm

Holiday Lights – Friday, December 11, 6:00 pm, Sanborn Square

Boca Raton Green Market – Saturday, December 12, 8:00 am, Royal Palm Plaza

Mainstream Teen Center

Madden ’10 Tournament – Tuesday, December 8, 6:00 pm

Glacier Ice Skating – Friday, December 11, 7:30 pm

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm – Saturday, 11:30 am

Bird Walk – Wednesday, December 25, 9:00 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesday, December 25, 10:00 am

Ornaments Naturally – Saturday, December 12, 10:00 am

Farm Stories – Saturday, December 12, 10:30 am

Sugar Sand Park

Four Photographers – Visions and Abstracts exhibit – through January 1

Evolution of an Art exhibit – through January 1

Tech City exhibit – through January 2010, Children’s Science Explorium

Sunday Morning Movies – Sunday, December 13, 11:00 am, Willow Theatre

Amernet String Quartet Concert – Sunday, December 13, 2:00 pm, Willow Theatre

Turn Out & Throw Down Teen Dance Showcase – Saturday, December 12, 8:00 pm

Libraries

Downtown Drop-In Story Time – Monday, 7:00 pm; Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 am

Teen Food for Thought – Tuesday, December 8, 4:30 pm, Spanish River Library

Meadows Park Pool

2009 Biathlon – Saturday, December 12, 7:00 am

Consumer Traps & Tips # 54 - Online Shopping

2009-12-08T03:56:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: December 7, 2009
Contact: Dennis Moore, 561-712-6600 • PBC Consumer Affairs Division
A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
Trap

Roger’s kids were excited about getting iPods this year for Christmas. He searched online and found a company selling iPods for 25 percent off! He purchased two of them. When the packages arrived, Roger was dismayed to find that both iPods looked used. Immediately, he did an Internet search and found numerous complaints about the company. When he called the company, the phone recording said, “mailbox full.”

Tips

Online purchases dramatically increase during the holiday season. Here are some tips to use when shopping online:

Buy only from reliable, well-established and well-known businesses. Check out the company BEFORE doing business with them. Search the Internet, including http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer, to learn about the experiences of others who made online purchases from the company.
Be sure the company’s physical address and telephone number are displayed on the Web site (look for a local phone number as well as a toll-free number).
Call the business directly to determine what kind of customer service they have. Are they helpful, courteous and knowledgeable?
Know exactly what you are buying. Determine if the product is new, used or refurbished. What kind of warranty is provided with your purchase?
Check and understand the company’s return policy. Some companies have high restocking fees for returned items. Also check for shipping/handling fees.
Make online payments with a credit card – not a debit card. Credit cards give more protection and can more easily be disputed.
Print copies of each page where you enter information. Obtain the transaction confirmation. Have your completed order e-mailed to you.
For more information call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer.

sufficient supply of H1N1 vaccine

2009-12-08T03:53:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA ONLY: TIM O’CONNOR
December 7, 2009
561-671-4013 or Timothy_O’Connor@doh.state.fl.us

H1N1 FLU UPDATE PALM BEACH COUNTY

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL— The Palm Beach County Health Department has now received a sufficient supply of H1N1 vaccine to ensure vaccine distribution and availability to all Palm Beach County residents, regardless of age. H1N1 vaccine is being currently distributed to private physician offices, clinics, and walk in medical service providers. Call your provider directly for availability. Palm Beach County Health Department Director Alina Alonso, M.D. says, “The Palm Beach County Health Department is pleased to now make the H1N1 vaccine available to as many residents as possible, and I want to personally thank everyone for their patience in allowing those most at risk to receive priority of the initial limited vaccine supply. This pandemic continues to threaten the health and welfare of our community as Flu Season traditionally peaks in January and February, so it’s important for everyone to get vaccinated.”

The Palm Beach County Health Department continues to make the H1N1 vaccine available at no charge through our health centers in Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Belle Glade by appointment and on a limited availability walk-in basis. Also FREE public vaccination clinics are scheduled throughout our community on a first come first served basis, where the vaccine is administered at no cost. Palm Beach County Residents are being offered the “mist” version of the H1N1 vaccine that is appropriate for healthy children 2 years and older and healthy adults up to age 49 and the “injectable” version for babies 6 months to 2 years of age, pregnant or breast feeding women, adults over 50, and people with chronic health conditions. Information on the Palm Beach County Health Department Vaccination Outreach locations and appointments at our Health Centers are available by calling our toll-free Palm Beach County Flu Information line at 1-888-411-4FLU (4358) or visiting our website at www.FightFluFlorida.com. As always, practice flu prevention:

• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizers frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get Vaccinated!

BCC Briefs for Dec 1, 2009 Meeting

2009-12-04T03:56:00.000-08:00

BCC Briefs
At the December 1, 2009, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Ethics Reform – approved on preliminary reading and advertised for public hearing on December 15 ordinances establishing an independent office of inspector general, an independent five-member commission on ethics, and a local code of ethics.

Pain Clinics – agreed to consider imposing a moratorium on new pain management clinics in unincorporated areas of the county and directed legal staff to research rule changes that would enable the county to stop issuing new occupational licenses. The board also agreed to send a letter to the League of Cities urging municipalities to impose similar moratoriums.

Climate Change – adopted the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, a coordinated climate change strategy with Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Legislative Affairs – discussed the county’s proposed lobbying agenda for the upcoming 2010 Florida Legislative Session.

Energy Efficiency – authorized staff to apply for up to $50 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds. These are federal monies that require no local match.

PREM - approved on preliminary reading and advertised for public hearing on December 15 an amendment to the Property and Real Estate Management (PREM) ordinance that would require all purchases, sales and exchanges of real property other than interdepartmental transactions to be approved by a supermajority vote of the BCC.

Palm Beach Yacht Center – approved an amended waterfront preservation easement for the Palm Beach Yacht Center assigning the county all residential development rights on an additional 1.5 acres (9.7 acres total) of marina property.

Stub Canal – conceptually approved an interlocal agreement to reimburse the City of West Palm Beach $500,000 for storm water improvements in the flood-prone Howard Park/Stub Canal drainage basin.

Fire Rescue - approved on preliminary reading and advertised for public hearing on December 15 an ordinance amending the boundaries of the Fire Rescue MSTU to include the Town of South Palm Beach.

H1N1 FLU UPDATE PALM BEACH COUNTY

2009-12-02T03:47:00.001-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA ONLY: TIM O’CONNOR
December 2, 2009 561-671-4013
FAX 837-5197

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL— The Palm Beach County Health Department continues to make the H1N1 vaccine available through its health centers in Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Belle Glade by appointment and on a limited availability walk-in basis. Also the following public vaccination FREE clinics are scheduled on a first come first served basis, and vaccine is administered at no cost. PLEASE NOTE: THESE OUTREACHES PRIMARILY FEATURE THE MIST VERSION OF THE H1N1 VACCINE AND IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO THOSE IN THE PRIORITY GROUPS LISTED. If you need the injectable version, please schedule an appointment at one of our Health Centers by calling 1-888-411-4FLU (4358). As vaccine supply increases, more outreaches will be scheduled. Please be patient and allow those most at risk to receive the H1N1 Vaccine first. The mist is for healthy children 2 years to 24 years, care givers who are healthy up to age 49 of babies under six months old, and health care workers with direct patient contact. Those over 50 are less susceptible to the H1N1 virus and therefore are not eligible at this time.

December 2nd - Wednesday Pleasant City Elementary School 2222 Spruce Avenue West Palm Beach 3:15 pm – 7:15 pm

December 3rd - Thursday Crestwood Middle School 64 Sparrow Drive Royal Palm Beach 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm

December 4th - Friday Grace Episcopal Church 3600 Australian Avenue West Palm Beach 10 am – 2 pm CHILDREN ONLY

December 5th - Saturday Community Health Center of West Palm Bch 2843 N. Australian Avenue, Bldg 2 West Palm Beach 11 am – 2 pm SEASONAL FLU AND H1N1 VACCINES FOR THE UNDER OR UNINSURED

December 5th - Saturday Palm Beaches Marathon Festival By the Info Booth at the Meyer Amphitheater 105 Evernia Street Downtown West Palm Beach 8 am – Noon
December 5th - Saturday Riviera Beach Health Center 7289 Garden Road Riviera Beach 9 am - 1 pm

December 5th - Saturday El Sol 106 Military Trail Jupiter 9:30 am – 3 pm
December 7th - Monday Atlantic High School 2455 W. Atlantic Avenue Delray Beach 4 pm – 8 pm

As always practice flu prevention:
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizers frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• Stay home if you are sick.

For further information about H1N1 Swine Flu vaccinations call the Palm Beach County Flu Information line at Toll Free at 1- 888-411-4FLU (4358), or the Florida Flu Information Line at 877-352-3581. Two websites are also updated regularly www.FightFluFlorida.com or www.myflusafety.com or locally information can be also obtained by calling 211.

17th Annual Santa Paws & Claws Shelter Pet Toy Project Underway

2009-12-02T03:44:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: December 1, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth Harfmann, 561-233-1222
Please help a shelter dog or cat find a new home for the holidays. Donate a new pet toy for a shelter animal during the Santa Paws & Claws Pet Toy Project at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. This year’s well-needed project is from Dec. 1 through Jan. 8, 2010.

People are more likely to adopt a dog or cat that appears happy, active and playful. The best type of pet toy for dogs is the hard indestructible toy, which is safer and sturdier for the larger dogs. Cats and kittens love all types of cat toys which are available at any pet supply or department store.

Please deliver pet toys to the main shelter at 7100 Belvedere Road, just west of the Florida Turnpike overpass. Donations can be placed in the large toy box in the front lobby or outside bin when the shelter is closed. Lobby hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Toys can also be mailed to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, Attention: Pet Toy Project, 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411.

For additional information, please contact Elizabeth at 561-233-1222 or e-mail pbcacc@pbcgov.org or visit www.pbcgov.com/animal.

Board Meetings November 30 – December 4

2009-12-01T04:19:00.000-08:00

Board Meetings November 30 – December 4

Parks & Recreation Board – Tuesday, December 1, 5:15 pm, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, December 1, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) – Monday, November 23, 1:30 pm – Agenda

Beautification Committee – Wednesday, December 2, 12:00 noon, City Hall

Elder Affairs Advisory Board – Wednesday, December 2, 4:00 pm, Police Services

Marine Advisory Board – Wednesday, December 2, 7:00 pm, Municipal Services

Property Appraiser’s Homestead Exemption Outreach – Thursday, December 3, 11:00 am,

City Hall

Advisory Board for People with Disabilities– Thursday, December 3, 7:00 pm, City Hall

Holiday Countdown – Friday, December 4, 6:00 pm, Sanborn Square

Boca Raton Green Market – Saturday, December 5, 8:00 am, Royal Palm Plaza

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm – Saturday, 11:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesday, December 2, 10:00 am

Solar Science – Friday, December 4, 1:00 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Four Photographers – Visions and Abstracts exhibit – through January 1

Meet the Artist – Saturday, December 5, 11:00 am

Evolution of an Art exhibit – through January 1

Tech City exhibit – through January 2010, Children’s Science Explorium

Love Letters – Friday, December 4, 8:00 pm, Saturday, December 5, 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sunday, December 6, 2:00 pm, Willow Theatre

Libraries

Downtown Drop-In Story Time – Monday, 7:00 pm; Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 am

Teen Guitar Hero – Tuesday, December 1, 4:30 pm, Spanish River Library

Tween Craft, Wednesday, December 2, 4:30 pm, Spanish River Library

Teen Movie Club – Thursday, December 3, 1:30 pm, Spanish River Library

Make & Take Holiday Craft – Friday, December 4, 3:30 pm, both Libraries

Tween Movie Club – Saturday, December 5, 12:00 noon, Downtown Library

The Swim Center

Patch Reef Tennis Center

Consumer Traps & Tips # 52 - Toy Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers

2009-11-24T04:22:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: November 23, 2009
Contact: Dennis Moore, 561-712-6600 • PBC Consumer Affairs Division
A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
Trap

Susan remembers when lawn darts, trampolines, Pogo balls and air rifles were popular holiday gifts for kids. Today, she wonders how she survived her childhood! Susan plans to begin shopping for toys and take advantage of the sales. She wants to save money but also wants to buy toys that will be safe for her kids.

Tips

Along with being fun, toys should be safe. Here are some tips for a happier holiday:

Consider the child’s age, interest and skill level. Look for labels that give age recommendations as a guide. The Child Safety Protection Act requires choking hazard warning labels on toys containing small parts. Remember a toy intended for an older child may be dangerous in the hands of a younger child. Information on age-appropriate toys can be found at http://www.usa.safekids.org and http://www.cpsc.gov.
Buy from a reputable retailer, and ask if they have removed all recalled toys from the shelves. Get a receipt for your purchase and verify the store’s return policy.
Be extra cautious when buying second-hand or used toys. Look for signs that state all sales are final. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act also prohibits thrift shops, garage sales, consignment and online stores from selling recalled toys. Toys can be recalled for reasons such as toxic levels of lead in the paint or a strangulation risk (cords) or a choking hazard (small parts).
You can see the recalled toys list and sign up for e-mail alerts at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site (http://www.cpsc.gov).
If you decide to buy your child’s first big bicycle, remember it’s not a toy. That big bike is now considered a vehicle, and your next purchase should be a helmet!
Call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer for more information.

Boca Raton Board meetings and Events for the Week of Nov. 23, 2009

2009-11-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

City facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving Day,

Thursday, November 26.

Board Meetings November 23 – November 27

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) – Monday, November 23, 1:30 pm – Agenda

City Council Workshop – Monday, November 23, following CRA meeting – Agenda

Education Advisory Board – Monday, November 23, 6:00 pm – City Hall

City Council Meeting – Tuesday, November 24, 6:00 pm – Agenda

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, November 24, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Holiday Tree Lighting – Friday, November 27, 5:00 pm, Mizner Park Amphitheater

Boca Raton Green Market – Saturday, November 28, 8:00 am, Royal Palm Plaza

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm – Saturday, 11:30 am

Boca Beach Kids – Wednesday, November 25, 10:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesday, November 25, 10:00 am

Sugar Sand Park

Tech City exhibit – through January 2010, Children’s Science Explorium

Multi-Media art exhibition through November 29, Community Center

The Brave Tin Soldier – Saturday, November 28, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, Willow Theatre

Libraries

Downtown Drop-In Story Time – Monday, 7:00 pm; Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 am

The Swim Center

Patch Reef Tennis Center

H1N1 FLU UPDATE PALM BEACH COUNTY

2009-11-23T04:38:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA ONLY: TIM O’CONNOR
November 20, 2009 561-671-4013 FAX 837-5197

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL— Palm Beach County Health Department continues to make the H1N1 vaccine available through its health centers in Delray Beach, Lantana, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Belle Glade by appointment and on a limited availability walk-in basis. Also the following public vaccination free clinics are scheduled on a first come first serve basis. PLEASE NOTE: THESE OUTREACHES PRIMARILY FEATURE THE MIST VERSION, OF THE H1N1 VACCINE AND IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO THOSE IN THE PRIORITY GROUPS LISTED. If you need the injectable version, please schedule an appointment at one of our Health Centers by calling 1-888-411-4FLU (4358).

As vaccine supply increases, more outreaches will be scheduled. Please be patient and allow those most at risk to receive the H1N1 Vaccine first. The mist is for healthy children 2 years to 24 years, care givers who are healthy up to age 49 of babies under six months old, and health care workers with direct patient contact. Those over 50 are less susceptible to the H1N1 virus and therefore are not eligible at this time.

November 21st - Saturday C.L. Brumback Heath Center 38754 State Road 80 Belle Glade 9am -12:30pm

November 23rd - Monday Jupiter Preschool 17593 Cinquez Park Road West Jupiter 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (H1N1 Only)

November 25th - Wednesday Forest Park Beacon Center 1201 SW 3rd Street Boynton Beach 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM (H1N1 Only)

December 5th - Saturday Riviera Beach Health Center 7289 Garden Road Riviera Beach 9am-1pm NOTE DATE CHANGED FROM NOVEMBER 21ST

As always practice flu prevention:
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• Stay home if you are sick.

For further information about H1N1 Swine Flu vaccinations call the Palm Beach County Flu Information line at Toll Free at 1- 888-411-4FLU (4358), or the Florida Flu Information Line at 877-352-3581. Two websites are also updated regularly www.FightFluFlorida.com or www.myflusafety.com or locally information can be also obtained by calling 211. ####

BCC Briefs for Nov. 17, 2009 Meeting

2009-11-19T04:58:00.001-08:00

At the November 17, 2009, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Reorganization – named Commissioners Burt Aaronson and Karen Marcus chair and vice chair, respectively, until November 2010; also thanked Commissioner Jeff Koons for his year of service as chairman of the BCC.

Affordable Housing – agreed to appropriate up to $1.03 million in next year’s budget for affordable housing and approved a funding plan for affordable housing that would set aside half the interest earned from developer fees on for-profit projects, beginning in 2014.

Municipal Marina – approved a design concept by the City of Riviera Beach for a $5 million grant awarded in February 2007 for renovations to the city’s marina.

Landscape Irrigation - opted not to file an administrative challenge to the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) proposed year-round landscape irrigation rule.

Reclaimed Water – approved a revised rate schedule for reclaimed water services. Water restrictions imposed by SFWMD have caused a significant increase in the number of reclaimed water users who previously paid no connection fees. Under the revised rates, new reclaimed water customers will pay a connection fee, but lower monthly base facility fees than existing customers who paid no a connection fee.

Roads - approved an ordinance establishing an amended five-year road program. Changes include delaying construction of Jog Road from Roebuck Road to 45th Street; Okeechobee Blvd. from Australian Ave. to Tamarind Ave./Parker Ave.; Roebuck Road from State Road 7 to Jog Road; Silver Beach Road from Congress Ave. to Old Dixie Hwy.; and Boca Rio Road from Palmetto Park Road to Boca Lago Blvd.

Transit Oriented Development – postponed to December 15 discussion of minimum requirements for a request for proposals (RFP) for development of the Wedge, a county-owned parcel within the West Palm Beach transit-oriented development (TOD) zone.

Palm Tran Earns Awards at FPTA Conference

2009-11-19T04:55:00.000-08:00

For immediate release: November 18, 2009
Contact: Jessica Dumars, 561-841-4245
Palm Tran, Palm Beach County’s public transportation agency, was the recipient of several honors at the 2009 annual conference of the Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) held October 25-27 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Palm Tran’s Marketing Department received first-place Awards of Excellence in the special events category for the Commuter Express ribbon-cutting event and in the signage category for the design of Palm Tran’s Intermodal Transit Center bus stop signs. An Award of Honor was earned in the electronic media category for Transit Works, Palm Tran’s half-hour television show produced in partnership with Palm Beach County’s Channel 20.

Palm Tran Mechanic Francisco Santana was recognized as second runner-up for 2009 FPTA Mechanic of the Year. Santana has been with Palm Tran for 11 years and consistently places in the top 10 on Palm Tran’s monthly employee production reports.

For more information about Palm Tran, please call the customer service department at 561-841-4287.

Consumer Traps & Tips # 51 - Airline Baggage Fees

2009-11-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

For immediate release: November 16, 2009
Contact: Dennis Moore, 561-712-6600 • PBC Consumer Affairs Division
A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
Trap

Due to a family emergency, Bill and Linda Barker had to get the next flight to Denver. Bill checked the airline’s Web site and booked two seats but failed to review four pages of information regarding baggage fees. Since they were only taking a carry-on and one large suitcase Bill wasn’t concerned. The next morning, while checking in, their large suitcase weighed 72 pounds. The ticket agent asked them for the normal $20 checked baggage fee plus an additional $50 overweight fee. Seventy dollars for one suitcase?

Tips

Airlines are finding new and creative ways to increase their bottom line. Charging for baggage is just one of them. Before packing your suitcase, consider these tips:

Checked baggage fees vary from airline to airline. European carriers allow up to 45 pounds and North American airlines up to 70 pounds (although many domestic carriers have a 50 pound limit). Take your time before booking your flight to avoid problems at the gate by reading the disclosures carefully.
Use your bathroom scales to weigh your bag before heading to the airport.
If you are told your bag is overweight, offer to quickly repack some items into your carry-on or travel partner’s bag. Take a coat out and carry it over your arm.
Along with the weight of your bag, make sure the suitcase dimensions do not exceed the airline’s limitations. Check with the airline for specifications.
With some airlines, it can actually cost less to check in an additional piece of luggage than to pay for one that is overweight. If this is the case, bring a collapsible “soft bag” or ask the agent for a box.
Plan/Pack carefully and get to the ticket counter one hour before your flight.
Call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer for more information.

Holiday Pet Portraits Help Support County’s Spay/Neuter Programs

2009-11-18T04:24:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: November 17, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth Harfmann, 561-233-1222
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control is hosting a fundraiser for the holidays! Pet owners can help by scheduling an appointment to have their family and pets professionally photographed by The Top Room Studio for the holiday season. The cost is $20 for two 5” x 7” portraits. All proceeds will help to support Animal Care and Control’s low-cost dog and cat spay/neuter services.

Pet owners can call 561-233-1222 to book an appointment for any of the following portrait dates: Friday, Nov. 20; Sunday, Nov. 22; or Saturday, Dec. 5. The portrait location is Animal Care and Control, 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach.

All pets must be current on their rabies vaccinations and wearing current rabies license tags. For more information on getting your pet vaccinated, call 561-233-1272. Visit www.pbcgov.com/animal for more information about the holiday pet portraits.

H1N1 FLU UPDATE PALM BEACH COUNTY

2009-11-18T04:18:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
November 16, 2009 561-671-4013
FAX 837-5197

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL— The Palm Beach County Health Department is continuing its surveillance and monitoring of the H1N1 Swine flu virus. The County’s eleventh death was confirmed today in a 78 year old female who was hospitalized with an underlying illness. To date the county has seen 83 persons hospitalized with the virus and 37 of those people were admitted to the ICU.

Health Department Director, Alina Alonso, M.D. said, “We extend our sincere sympathies to the family of this woman. This pandemic continues to claim lives, so it is important for all to remain alert to the signs and symptoms of this flu and seek medical attention if the fever, coughs and sneezes worsen.

Unfortunately, the flu virus can leave vulnerable individuals susceptible to opportunistic infection, so it’s important for those with chronic illness or conditions that put them at risk to get vaccinated against flu.” Experience with this virus shows this strain, like all influenza, is unpredictable. However, because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result.

In addition, it is recommended those at risk should get the H1N1 vaccine to protect against the novel H1N1 virus. At this time, the Health Department, along with the CDC, advises that businesses, schools, day care centers, and the like remain open even if a case of H1N1 is identified. These facilities should follow the protocols they have in place for any ill person. Dr. Alonso recommends the following: People with respiratory illness should avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community:

• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Cover your cough and sneezes

• Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.

• Stay home if you are sick.

• Get Vaccinated.

If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider or the health department and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, emergency department or stay home. Three websites are also updated regularly: www.FightFluFlorida.com, www.cdc.gov, www.myflusafety.com locally information can be obtained by calling 211 or 1- 888-411-4FLU (4358). ####

A Brief Touch of Space

2009-11-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Jim Stafford
UtalkNews.com

This past weekend I was invited to be 1 of 101 attendees at the first NASA Tweetup at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The Tweetup was planned around the launch of the shuttle Atlantis, STS-129.

The group of @NASA Twitter followers hailed from 21 states and 4 countries and whose backgrounds ranged from bus mechanic to university professor all had one thing in common: A love for NASA and the Space Program.

The two-day event started with presentation by John Yembrick, public affairs officer, Jon Cowart, Area I-X deputy mission manager, Wayne Hale, strategic program planner, Mike Massimino, astronaut STS-119 and STS-125, Veronica McGregor, JPL, Miles O’Brien, former CNN anchor. All were excellent speakers, but Mike Massimimo’s descriptions of his space walks on STS-125’s mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope were awe inspiring. Jon Cowart also gave an energetic talk about his time in mission control and the efforts of thousands to prep the orbiter and pad for a launch.

The rest of the afternoon was spent touring the cape by bus. From the Vehicle Assembly Building to the three mile long Orbiter landing strip, but by far the last stop was best. We were granted access to obtain an up close look at Atlantis on the launch pad. It was absolutely amazing. It was far larger than I expected it to be. The pad was humming with activity as final preparations were made on Atlantis as it was readied for launch.

Day two of the Tweetup was spent at the press launch viewing area just 3.5 miles from the pad. This is the closest the public can come to the launch site. A NASA official stated that this was the max distance that a 50 pound piece of the debris could travel is case of an accident on the pad.

The launch of STS-129 was picture prefect and an unbelievable experience. A true spectacle that you have to see, feel, and hear to believe! No words can give justice to this marvel of technology! Seeing it from a distance or on TV just isn’t the same.

As incredible as the launch was, meeting all the people behind the scenes at NASA was a testament to the human spirit. An army of unsung heroes works endlessly to keep the program running.

I thank NASA and everyone in the Public Outreach Office for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime!

Boca Raton Board meetings and Events for the Week of Nov. 16, 2009

2009-11-17T04:27:00.001-08:00

Senior Information Day – Wednesday, November 18, 2:00pm and 7:00 pm, Spanish River

Library

Board Meetings November 9 – November 13

Community Relations Board – Monday, November 16, 6:00 pm, Police Services

Historic Preservation Board – Tuesday, November 17, 5:00 pm, City Hall

Community Appearance Board – Tuesday, November 17, 7:00 pm – Agenda

Library Advisory Board – Wednesday, November 18, 4:00 pm, Spanish River Library

Downtown Boca Raton Advisory Committee – Wednesday, November 18, 4:30 pm – City Hall

Airport Authority – Wednesday, November 18, 6:00 pm – City Hall

Green Living Task Force – Thursday, November 19, 8:30 am, 6500 Building

Planning and Zoning Board – Thursday, November 19, 6:30 pm – Agenda

Boca Raton Green Market – Saturday, November 21, 8:00 am, Royal Palm Plaza

T-Ball Registration – Saturday, November 21, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Boca Raton Community

Center – 5 and 6 year old youth – For information: 561-367-7039

Battle of the Bands – Saturday, November 21, 5:00 pm, City Hall North parking lot

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Daily Tank Feedings – Sunday through Friday, 2:30 pm – Saturday, 11:30 am

Guided Hammock Walk – Wednesday, November 11, 10:00 am

Boca Beachcombing – Thursday, November 19, 3:00 pm

Wetlands Walk – Thursday, November 19, 3:00 pm

Seining the Lagoon – Friday, November 20, 3:00 pm

Night Explorers – Friday, November 20, 7:00 pm

Story Tellabration! – Saturday, November 21, 1:00 pm

Sugar Sand Park

Tech City exhibit – through January 2010, Children’s Science Explorium

Multi-Media art exhibition through November 29, Community Center

Tellabration: A Night of Storytelling – Saturday, November 21, 7:30 pm, Willow Theatre

Tellabration: Stories for Little Ones – Sunday, November 22, 11:00 am, Willow Theatre

Libraries

Downtown Drop-In Story Time – Monday, 7:00 pm; Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 am

Jim Weiss Storyteller – Monday, November 16, 7:00 pm, Spanish River Library

Teen Rock Band – Tuesday, November 10, 4:30 pm, Spanish River Library

Tween Anime Club – Wednesday, November 18, 4:30 pm, Spanish River Library

Tween Craft – Thursday, November 19, 6:30 pm, Downtown Library

A Turkey’s Tale Puppet Show – Friday, November 20, 3:30 pm, Downtown Library

Teen Anime Club – Saturday, November 20, 2:00 pm, Downtown Library

Spanish River Sunday Speaker – Sunday, November 22, 3:00 pm, Spanish River Library

The Swim Center

November 17 School Board Meeting To Be Televised Live

2009-11-13T05:01:00.001-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 12, 2009

The meeting of the School Board of Palm Beach County to be held at Santaluces Community High School, 6880 Lawrence Road, Lantana, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2009 will be broadcast live via The Education Network (TEN), Comcast channel 97.

The meeting will also be simulcast live in the school auditorium, cafeteria and gymnasium and carried live via district webcast. To view the meeting on the Internet, go to www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/ten and click on Webcast at the top of the page.

Shelter Open for Dog and Cat Adoptions!

2009-11-12T09:06:00.001-08:00

For immediate release: Nov. 12, 2009
Contact: Karen Buchan, (561) 233-1280
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control has re-opened their kennel for dog adoptions. The shelter has a wide variety of dogs and puppies looking for good homes. All dogs currently available for adoption have been monitored closely by staff veterinarians for signs of canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) during the past few weeks.

The shelter also has a high number of young kittens and adult cats that are in need of good homes. Because of the amount of kittens available for adoption at the shelter, a special adoption fee of $20 per cat or kitten is currently being offered.

Visit the shelter located at 7100 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach, just west of the Florida Turnpike. The shelter is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Help “Save a Life, Adopt a Shelter Pet.” For more information, call (561) 233-1272 during business hours or visit the Web site, www.pbcgov.com/animal.