Page 6 - Abacoa Community News - July '21

Page 6, Abacoa

gOveRNmeNt

Commissioner’s Update

Libraries Enrich Our Lives including the North County communities of Juno Beach, writing, financial publications, demographics and legal codes,
Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm cases and forms. Consumer health information, social services
By County Commissioner Beach Shores, and Tequesta. applications and technology training, as well as an extensive
Maria Marino The library system offers in-person and online services adult education program is available. The library system hosts
Andrew Carnegie, an at 17 locations, bookmobile stops, and lends educational kits naturalization ceremonies for permanent residents to become
industrialist and philanthropist to childcare facilities. Millions of physical items, including U.S. citizens, and provides opportunities for community
who led the expansion of the books, DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs, and read-aloud story members and organizations to become involved with the library
American steel industry in times and book discussions are available to library members through volunteer efforts and partnerships. They have also begun
the late 19th century, said, of all ages. The Summer Reading Program, held virtually this to process passport applications as of January this year.
“A library outranks any other year, helps students maintain their reading progress as they For the 12th year in a row, the library system has presented
one thing a community can approach the next school year. a balanced budget at the current millage rate of .5491, which
do to benefit its people. It Despite disruptions due to COVID-19, the library they have maintained for 12 years. Reserves of 10 percent
is a never failing spring in system provided continuous service throughout the year and will be set aside to cover costs associated with emergencies
the desert.” According to the transitioned services to meet community needs. There are no and unforeseen events, including disasters. The capital
American Library Association (ALA), libraries in America are longer late fees charged on overdue materials, and enhanced improvements fund is planning for $12.6 million in anticipated
cornerstones of the communities they serve. The ALA states remote access, in-person service and curbside pickup have renovations due to age and use of buildings, and reserves for
that free access to the books, ideas, resources, and information been available to residents. More than 9,500 people registered future large projects. As the county continues to grow, the
in America’s libraries is imperative for education, employment, for temporary e-cards during March, April and May of 2020, library system will plan for additional expansion projects.
enjoyment and self-government. and 2.35 million people visited the library last year. Palm Beach With so many resources, courses, and activities free for the
In Palm Beach County, the mission of the library system County’s Library System also garnered Hoopla’s No. 1 library asking, I encourage you to become a library member. It will
is to connect communities, inspire thought, and enrich in Florida for users and loans, and No. 5 in the United States. enrich your life.
lives. This special taxing district provides library services Resources include the Small Business Reference Center, If I can be of assistance to you, please let me know by calling
to unincorporated areas of the county and 24 municipalities and access to job information, interviewing tips and resumé (561) 355-2201 or send an email to mmarino@pbcgov.org.
Northern Notes

Hurricane Tips And hurricane causes impending hurricane means that the supplies will be more
a large-scale
plentiful. Metal shutters and plywood are just as difficult to
Reminders evacuation, as find as water before a storm hits. Purchasing these materials
with Hurricane and cutting them to fit your windows beforehand will only
By Katie Roundtree, Irma. These spare ease hurricane season anxiety and protect yourself as best
Finance Director, Northern gas containers as possible.
Palm Beach County may be your only Other hurricane necessities according to the Red Cross:
Improvement District source of gas • Battery powered radio to access the NOAA Weather
June 1 began the while evacuating Channel
official Atlantic hurricane the area. Store • Flashlights
season. The National gasoline in a Source: express.co.uk • Extra batteries
Oceanic and Atmospheric well-ventilated • First-aid kit
Administration (NOAA) detached shed or garage, at least 50 feet away from ignition • Maps of the area (in case you can’t access your cell
is predicting another busy sources such as pilot lights or a furnace. Store gasoline at phone or GPS)
year. Now is the time to room temperature and keep it away from potential heat While hurricane season can be a stressful and uncertain
prepare and make sure you sources such as the sun, or the trunk of a car that’s in time, being prepared is the best thing you can do to ease that
and your family are ready, just in case our area is affected direct sun. Heating the gasoline will build pressure in the stress. Being prepared allows you to be in control, not the
this year. When a hurricane threatens, there is one thing container. Gas can be stored up to three to six months, so storm. Happy hurricane season Floridians, be safe, aware
that can be predicted year after year and hurricane after be sure to use and replace the gas in your containers with and prepared!
hurricane: panic and chaos. Gasoline stations, hardware fresh gasoline every few months. NPDES tip: Planting a rain garden with native plants
stores and grocery stores become inundated with people Another priority for hurricane prep is to check your around your home helps lock rainwater in the ground,
panic buying since they waited until the last minute to “window plan.” Some options are to board up your house reducing the flow of pollutants and poisons into the drains.
prepare. The first step to prepare for hurricane season and with plywood, install shutters or hurricane impact windows. Using organic fertilizers and pesticides in your garden
avoid the chaotic shopping spree is to build your “hurricane These precautions prevent flying debris from damaging the further protects and brings health to your yard and all the
stock” now. A “hurricane stock” is essential for post windows in your house. Having a window plan before an species living there.
landfall, because flooding and debris may prevent you from
leaving your house for a while. A stock of nonperishable
goods such as water, cereal, dry milk and canned foods is
also useful in case of electric outages. A good method is
to create an assigned bin to be used during a hurricane to
store your “hurricane stock.” This hurricane stock should
be replenished after each storm and maintained throughout
the year, checking for expiration dates each time. A stock
of water to last at least three days per person is essential,
but one lasting up to two weeks is ideal.
Investing in gasoline containers and keeping them
filled up during hurricane season is also helpful in case a

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