Page 8 - Boca Club News - April '23

Page 8, Boca Club News BW
From the Desk of County Commissioner

Marci Woodward: An Update from Marci

Commissioner Woodward, a 20-year on residents and businesses and will continue to monitor it Additionally, the center maintains a fleet of buses used to
resident of Boca Raton, was elected closely and provide updates. transport seniors to medical appointments and other essential
in November 2022 as Palm Beach A Must-See: Wakodahatchee Wetlands. I recently toured destinations for free. Each year, the buses average over 85,000
County District 4 Commissioner. the county’s Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility and trips. For more information, visit volencenter.com
She serves on the following board the adjoining Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach. Local Government 101: Office of Inspector General
of directors as a representative of The site is a unique collaboration of two facilities (OIG). Like other Office of Inspector Generals (OIG) at the
the county commission: Palm Beach resulting in a state-of-the-art wetland and nature reserve state and federal level, the Palm Beach County OIG is an
Transportation Planning Agency; open to the public. The wastewater treatment process starts independent, nonpartisan agency.
South Florida Regional Transportation with wastewater being filtered and disinfected. Biosolids are The mission is to promote integrity and accountability in
Authority (TriRail); Treasure Coast Regional Planning removed and sold to the Solid Waste Authority to burn for government, and prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse.
Council; CareerSource Palm Beach County; Palm Beach energy. The OIG’s jurisdiction includes county government, 39
Cultural Council, and Value Adjustment Board. Ms. Woodward Over two million gallons of reclaimed water are pumped municipalities, the Children’s Services Council and the Solid
graduated from the University of South Carolina-Aiken with into the surrounding wetlands to create valuable wildlife Waste Authority.
a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. habitats for many Florida species including turtles, alligators OIGs are often called the citizens’ “watchdog.” They
I proudly represented District 4 in a whirlwind of meetings and bobcats. Wakodahatchee Wetlands features various fulfill this independent oversight role by conducting audits
with our state legislators and leaders in Tallahassee for PBC activities, including an elevated boardwalk for bird and wildlife and reviews of government organizations, operations and
Day! watching, interactive educational signage and more. programs. They also investigate complaints of wrongdoing.
With close to 400 people in attendance, our county was It is an outstanding public amenity open daily from 6 a.m. Citizens, elected and appointed government officials and
well represented. Some of our meetings included Lt. Governor to 6 p.m. For more information, visit iscover.pbcgov.org/ organizations doing business with the government play an
Jeanette Nuñez, Sen. Jason Brodeur, Rep. Mike Caruso and waterutilities/pages/wetlands.aspx. important role in the OIG’s work.
DOT Secretary Jared Perdue. Nonprofit Spotlight. The Volen Center, located in Boca Your requests or suggestions are important, and tips are
We advocated for funds on a wide range of issues, including Raton, is a nonprofit serving seniors (60+) in South County critical in the fight against fraud, waste, and abuse. If you have
affordable/workforce housing, infrastructure, water resources in support of their physical, emotional and social needs. suggestions or suspect wrongdoing in government, contact the
and more. Our state partners were welcoming, including a The center offers various services, including adult day care, OIG at HOTLINE at (877) 238-7068. For more information,
shout-out from the Senate floor. transportation, case management, luncheons, exercise classes visit pbcgov.org/oig/.
As always, we are grateful to our state partners for their time and more. It was an agent of change throughout the pandemic If you require assistance, please contact our office at
and effort. As session continues, a team of county lobbyists by mobilizing its meal site programs, serving nearly 3,000 (561) 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.
will remain in Tallahassee to monitor appropriations important senior residents.
to our residents.
A big thank you to TEAM Palm Beach County and Memo from County Tax Collector
my escort, PBC Firefighter Craig Gerlach. It was a great
experience, and I look forward to continue to advocate on
behalf of the residents of PBC. Anne M. Gannon: Good News for
Another highlight this month was the St. Patrick’s Day
Parade and Festival in Delray Beach hosted by Delray Beach
Fire Rescue. We showed off our green and joined the fun-filled Cat Lovers, Charities and Parents!
excitement on Atlantic Avenue with Palm Beach County Fire
Rescue.
As always, I am here to assist, so feel free to email me at By Anne M. Gannon, Constitutional
mwoodward@pbcgov.org or call (561) 355-2204. Tax Collector serving Palm Beach
Palmetto Park Bridge Update. Below is a recent update County. You can reach her office
from the Engineering and Public Works Department on the by Email: ClientAdvocate@
Palmetto Park Road Bridge project: taxcollectorpbc.com. Phone: (561)
The construction phasing necessitated re-routing of the 355-4271.
certain utilities (i.e., water main) since they are attached to the You all know that I am a cat lover
south bridge (eastbound travel) and needed to be done prior and have two kitties, Biden and
to removing the remaining south bridge structure. This work Bader. Recently, Bader, my youngest
is expected to be completed by the end of the month. kitty was lost. Those of you who are pet owners know the
Additionally, several sidewalk and crosswalk issues are also feeling of missing your beloved pet. For days, I had no
being addressed. Just recently, new crosswalk markings were idea where Bader was and I was growing more concerned
completed. The county is currently working on the sidewalk as each day passed. Then I received a call from the animal Our Commitment to Giving Back. On February 28th,
issues in conjunction with the contractor and the city. shelter advising me that I was honored to host our two Charity Partners and present
The revised project schedule now shows completion in they had Bader, who was them with checks as a result of our employees’ fundraising
September 2023. brought in by a person efforts throughout this past year. Every two years, two local
I live nearby and recognize the impact this project is having in my neighborhood. charities are chosen by our employees for our Community
Relieved and anxious, I Involvement Partner Program.
Editor ............................................................................ Nils A. Shapiro learned first-hand just how Our partners for 2022 were Making Every Day Count,
important it is to have your represented by Martha Ahr, Founder, and Living Hungry,
pet microchiped. Bader, represented by Maura Plante, Founder. Due to the immense
Editorial copy appearing herewith is not necessarily the viewpoint of without knowing, carried valuable owner information with compassion of the entire tax collector staff, $17,594 was
Seabreeze Publications of Central Florida. Most editorial copy is created by
the homeowners and is edited by their appointed editor. her. The animal shelter was able to scan her chip, identify her, raised in support of these two organizations. I am extremely
and contact me to let me know that she was safe and sound. proud of the generosity demonstrated year after year by our
So, if you have pets please make sure you not only maintain employees as every dollar raised and items donated come
their vaccinations, but have them microchipped. You will be directly from them; no public tax dollars are used. Funds are
so grateful you did! raised through our office’s Dress Down for Charity program,
For information about Palm Beach County’s microchipping along with other fundraising activities throughout the year.
Seabreeze Publications program, please visit discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/ For more information, visit www.pbctax.com/about-us/
community-involvement.
animalcare/pages/my_pets.aspx.
HOA Expo. A wise person once said, “Service to others is School is Out for Summer. We are approaching that time
Publisher
M. Sean Reid the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” My staff and I of year when kids are counting down the days until summer
J. Reid are always eager to help answer any questions you may have break. Meanwhile, parents are scrambling for ideas on how
and remain dedicated to serving the community. We pride to keep them busy. Two words: summer camp! Palm Beach
Sales ourselves on being available and providing exceptional service County Youth Services offers over 100 summer camps across
Tom English, Laura Berrio, Bret McCormick to the residents of Palm Beach County. We always look forward the county, so no matter where you live there is a camp not

Production Manager Lee Nostrant to opportunities to engage with the community on the various far away! They also offer a scholarship program to help cover
services our office provides. costs for those who qualify.
Production Department In February, we had the privilege of attending the Palm For more information, visit https://discover.pbcgov.org/
Elaine Donholt • Ruth Nekoranec • Katie Heystek Beach Condo and Homeowners Association (HOA) Expo in youthservices/pages/summer_camp.aspx.
Sherry Whalon • Dianne Strout • Karen Kalisz
West Palm Beach. The event was open to the public and attended Does your child like sports? There is a camp for that.
All rights reserved. Reproduction or utilization of these contents in any by the various homeowner associations around the county. Our Does your child like learning? There is a camp for that.
form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, including xerography and Community Engagement Ambassadors were on hand to interact They offer a wide range of activities to support a diverse
photocopying is forbidden without the written permission of the Publisher.
The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints and exchange information with property managers, board group of children. Summer camps are typically categorized
herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed members from various homeowner associations, and new and as: education enrichment, sports, regular, special needs and
unsuitable for publication.
existing residents of Palm Beach County. We provided timely specialty.
www.seabreezepublications.com information about the services we offer, ranging from property You can rest assured that whatever your children’s
1102 W. Indiantown Rd., Suite 5, Jupiter, FL 33458 tax to tourist development tax and motor vehicle services, to interests there is a camp for them. For more information
(561) 746-3244 name a few. My community engagement team and I value the on the summer camps that Palm Beach County has to
FAX (561) 746-2509 opportunity to participate in these community events and look offer, visit https://discover.pbcgov.org/youthservices/pages/
forward to seeing more of you at future events. summer_camp.aspx.