Page 6 - Jupiter Spotlight - July '21

Page 6, Jupiter Spotlight
Commissioner’s Update

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

service senior living that
Worry affords an enriched lifestyle. With a unique approach and a
philosophy centered on giving residents peace of mind, the
community focuses on providing five-star service in all areas.
As a resort-style community, residents have access to a variety
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., of amenities, including chef-prepared meals, concierge services,
state-of-the-art wellness programs and so much more.
School Psychologist “Throughout the pandemic, we adapted our services and
Is your child a worrier? programming so residents could still feel engaged and connected
Excessive worrying in to one another socially,” said Rick Minichino, wellness director
children might show at La Posada. “However, nothing can beat the peace of mind our
up when he throws up residents are experiencing post-vaccination with the ability to
forego masks. With this return to normalcy, we’re focused on
every day before school, developing new and unique programming to engage our residents
she has to know your and improve their overall health and wellbeing.”
whereabouts at all times, or gathering for a meal, and it’s given all of us an incredible sense
of hope and eagerness for the days ahead.”
she can’t sleep in her While physical wellness programming has resumed pre-
own bed, he is afraid of COVID initiatives, it’s also the return of events and lifestyle
a family member dying, activities that has residents buzzing. Recently, La Posada hosted
and she worries so much about what peers think so it its annual Ladies’ Tea, which was the community’s first large
stifles decision making. gathering in celebration of the incredible female residents who
call the community home. More than 75 of the women who live
These are real issues and the pandemic has elevated at La Posada gathered together on the community’s terrace for
anxiety in children. Causes of anxiety include genetics afternoon tea and treats. This special event enabled friends to
as anxiety often runs in the family tree, past experience gather and celebrate one another, all while enjoying a delicious
such as being bullied, or temperament. Summer is a meal.
“We’ve remained focused on ensuring that our residents have
great time to help your child and teach new coping skills. everything they need to live their lives well and on their own
One way to help your child is to teach him or her how terms,” said Cadiere. “As we continue to move towards traditional
to identify triggers. What precipitates the anxiety? Your planning and activities, we’re looking forward to providing new
child might not want you to leave him and when you go La Posada’s recent additions to its wellness programming and engaging opportunities that create a myriad of choices and
to the store he worries you’ll get in a car accident. Once include unique activities like cardio drumming and even the social opportunities for our residents to enjoy, all while making new
you know the anxiety trigger, teach your child to decide favorite, cornhole. Such programming allows participants to be friendships along the way.”
physically active in ways that are also socially engaging and most
La Posada features 193 luxurious independent living

if it is a rational or irrational fear. Thus, you are leaving importantly, fun. These activities provide a boost in confidence apartments and 11 independent living cottages, in addition to
the triggering event that leads to his irrational fear of an and plenty of physical activity without the need to hit the gym assisted living apartments, memory care suites, and private rooms
accident. This takes lots of discussion as well as teaching or feel like a routine. After a season of social distancing, and in for short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing. And as a part
him how to self-calm through breathing. some cases isolation, it’s this level or programming that assures of The Art of Living Well philosophy, residents have ample
®
Second, use books or a program. To help a younger residents there is positive change in the air. opportunities to strengthen their minds, bodies and spirits at all
“Since our vaccination clinics, we’ve seen an increase in the

levels of community life.
child, you could read What to Do When You Worry Too number of residents who
Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety with your are ready to enjoy their
child. For a teen you can read The Anxiety and Worry favorite activities again,”
Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution by David said Brad Cadiere,
Clark. Younger children often benefit from using the executive director
of La Posada. “We’re
Coping Cat program with their parent. You can learn more absolutely thrilled that
at www.copingcatparents.com. we can provide our
Finally, if needed, seek a professional counselor. There residents with the safety
are many counselors that use a cognitive behavioral and security they desire
therapy approach to treatment. This type of counseling so that they can enjoy
all they did before. It’s
helps your child change negative thoughts into more been wonderful to see
positive thoughts. Counseling helps children cope everyone going to classes
with and manage anxiety symptoms while gradually
exposing them to their fears to help them learn skills. Be our guest for a summertime complimentary lunch and meet some La Posada residents in person to hear how
PsychologyToday.com is one good source. they live life at La Posada. On July 28 at 11:30 a.m., La Posada will be hosting a Resident Panel Luncheon
Dr. Forgan tests kids for ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, gifted, with five-star deliciousness from Chef Guy. Join us for a taste of life at La Posada and see why we earned three
anxiety, learning disabilities, and processing problems. Best of Palm Beach County awards three years in a row. Call (561) 277-0660 to RSVP by July 23
Call (561) 625-4125 or visit JimForgan.com. so we can save a spot for you!