Page 16 - The Islander - December '20

Page 16, The IslanderThe Islander
Page 16,

commissioNer’s Update

Greetings!

By County Commissioner Maria Marino

As the newly elected District to move people from place to place. Whether that be from facilities both tutorial and afterschool, camp programs and other
1 County Commissioner, I home to work, school, entertainment or recreational venues, opportunities for our children to have a healthy, physically fit
am thrilled to be serving our autonomous vehicles, ridesharing, light rail or walking will and mind-expanding life.
residents in Northern Palm be the future. I look forward to the day when moving people Many of you may ask, “What are your priorities?” My
Beach County. I look forward means more than just getting in your car and when development immediate priorities include:
to working with all of you to is centered near a mobility hub to make that easy. With the • Investing in public safety and our first responders to keep
enhance the high quality of advent of Brightline, the county and the municipalities will our neighborhoods and businesses safe and sound
life we enjoy as well as being continue to ensure quiet zones are installed at rail crossings, • Expanding our parks and recreation systems for the health
a watchdog on our budget to security measures are in place and train horns will be used just and well-being of our children and families
make sure your tax dollars are for emergencies. • Protecting our natural resources
being spent wisely. As a lifelong small business owner, I appreciate the • Working with our community partners for economic
During my tenure on the Palm Beach Gardens City Council, challenges that face our local businesses when adapting to growth and job creation
as mayor, vice mayor and council member, I focused on keeping crises and changing market conditions. The lifeblood of our • Making sure our agricultural industry continues to be a
our tax rates low and investing public dollars wisely. This local economy is our small business owner, 80 percent of which leading economic driver for our county
included encouraging economic development, bringing jobs employ 10 people or less. Also, we are blessed to live in an area • Improving the roadway network to reduce traffic
and new businesses to the community all while balancing the where our climate and lifestyle are attracting larger companies, congestion and encourage safety
creation of quality housing, recreational venues and preserving thus diversifying our industries and job opportunities. Palm • Collaborating with educational institutions to develop
conservation lands and water storage for future generations. Beach County, along with our Business Development Board, more technical programs for our youth
Collaborating with national, state, and local officials on has been actively pursuing high technology and financial • Promoting open, transparent, and accessible county
regional transit issues has also been a focus of mine. Looking services companies, many of which have landed in the north government
for alternate modes of transportation is a priority as mobility is end of the county like the Carrier Corporation in Palm Beach My door is always open and my phone on. Please feel free
on the rise all around us. A goal would be to take more cars off Gardens. I plan to be a part of those future continued efforts. to reach out anytime at (561) 355-2201 to share your thoughts.
the roads but have more cost-effective and convenient options Philanthropy, volunteerism, and physical health are high I look forward to a continued partnership with all of you and
priorities. This desire to give back has led me to raise much attending an upcoming meeting in your community. Remember,
needed funds for at-risk children and their families, educational I am a public servant. I was elected by the public to serve.
NoNprofit News

LocaL GoverNmeNt from page 14 It is important to understand that your physical driver
license or ID will not be replaced. The new digital format
We are currently accepting applications for the 2021 complements traditional driver licenses/ID cards, allowing
The Arc’s property tax season now through April 30. Enrollment Florida residents to provide proof of their identity and driving
privileges from a mobile device. The Florida Department of
is complete when your first installment payment is
President And received during the month of June. Apply online at Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports the program will
www.pbctax.com.
be rolled out in 2021.
CEO Recognized Ask Anne: Can You Please Important Dates And
Deadlines
Explain Digital Driver
As Community Licenses And What Changes Dec. 24-25 Offices closed for holidays
December installment payment due
Dec. 31
We Can Expect?
Giant Anne: Florida will soon become one of the first states to Dec. 31 Last day to receive 3 percent property tax
discount
Born in February? Registrations

offer digital driver licenses and identification cards through expire at midnight on your birthday.
Kimberly McCarten a smartphone app. Digital licenses and IDs are optional and Renew 90 days in advance at www.
consistently leads The Arc of are considered a valid form of identification. pbctax.com.
Palm Beach County to new
heights as its president and
CEO. So tremendous are the
nonprofit’s achievements that
the Inner City Youth Golfers
organization has named
McCarten a Community Giant,
recognizing her contributions
to the future and to the stability
of children in the community. Upscale Resale
The Arc’s Stand Up program exemplifies McCarten’s impact.
Stand Up matches high school student mentors with same-age
peers at The Arc, and serves as a model of how to build inclusive Experience The Difference
communities. The result has been improved understanding and
acceptance of people with disabilities. After two short years, the New and consigned furniture, unique lighting, accessories and gifts.
student mentor program has achieved national recognition. Complete wallpaper and fabric library for all your design needs.
“Learning to accept people of all abilities should be part of
every young person’s education,” said McCarten, The Arc’s
president and CEO. “We are proud to offer a program at The
Arc that helps kids to bridge their differences and find ways to
connect. We want them to take those lessons into their future
interactions and leadership roles.”
McCarten and her team strive to empower, engage, and
enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
Since taking over as the president and CEO in 2014, The Arc
has expanded its programs, improved client outcomes, and
strengthened community and donor relationships.
The Community Giant award will be presented to McCarten Call us to sell. See us to buy.
at the Inner City Youth Golfers’ annual Community Service Over 16,000 sq. ft. in 2 locations to serve you!
Awards and Auction on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Eastpoint Country
Club in Palm Beach Gardens. PALM BEACH GARDENS: Promenade Plaza
About The Arc Of Palm Beach County 9810 Alternate A1A • 561.694.0964
The Arc is changing the conversation around disabilities by
defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving the WELLINGTON: Wellington Marketplace
lives of the people we serve, their families, and our community. 13857 Wellington Trace • 561.798.5222
Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community where every
person feels welcome, connected and accepted. myconsignanddesign.com Nanci Smith, CEO
Photo by Tracey Benson Photography