Bringing you News that Counts
Bringing you News that Counts
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June 16, 2007
IN THIS ISSUE · Palm Tran Urges Drivers to “Dump the Pump” on June 19 · S.T.Y.L.E. Super Group Wins 2008 Racial Justice Award · PBC Budget Documents Now Available Online · Parks and Recreation Reminds Residents to “Play It Safe” · Join Teens from Across Palm Beach County for the First-Ever Battle of the Books! · Volunteer Opportunities Available at Senior Services
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Palm Tran Urges Drivers to “Dump the Pump” on June 19
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), National Dump the Pump Day encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, conserve gasoline, and help reduce greenhouse gases. Households with two workers and one car that use public transportation save an estimated $6,200 every year, compared to households with no access to public transportation. Public transportation also plays an important role in helping to reduce greenhouse gases. By participating in National Dump the Pump Day, Palm Tran officials hope people who have never used public transportation will give it a try, instead of driving cars. As part of South Florida’s Dump the Pump campaign, lucky transit riders will receive a scratch-off card to be eligible for the chance to win $1,000 cash, a three-day/two-night Hawks Cay Resort getaway for two in the Florida Keys, tickets to Universal Studios in Orlando, Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards, transit passes and more. The scratch-off cards will be distributed during the morning of June 19 at select bus and train stations while supplies last. To plan your trip in support of National Dump the Pump Day or to learn more about all commuter options, please call 1-800-234-RIDE or visit www.1800234RIDE.com.
S.T.Y.L.E. Super Group Wins 2008 Racial Justice Award
In keeping with the YWCA’s goal to “eliminate racism wherever it exists,” the YWCA continues its tradition of honoring ordinary people doing extraordinary work in the area of racial justice. Criteria for the award includes demonstrated leadership in the elimination of racism, significant involvement in the struggle for peace, justice and freedom and dignity for people and demonstrated commitment to empowerment of all people. Group members recently received the award at a gala held at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. The CJC formed a countywide youth group as a critical cornerstone of its Youth Violence Prevention Project. The S.T.Y.L.E. is comprised of approximately 75 Palm Beach County middle and high school students who have an interest in empowering fellow students and reduce youth crime. Another key focus is helping youth “find their voice” by sharing crime prevention ideas with city and county leaders who can advocate change in their communities. As young adults, members can act to make change, educate and inspire their communities, and become advocates for saving youths’ lives everywhere. During the past school year, group members have participated in over 20 community outreach and youth empowerment projects, such as the “Reducing Youth Violence” poster contest, Next Media bus shelter display advertisements, Martin Luther King Day parade, Kaleidoscope and the Youth Criminal Justice Academy.
PBC Budget Documents Now Available Online
The workshop will be held in the Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers, sixth floor of the County Governmental Center, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach. All documentation the commissioners are using to make their decisions is available for review at www.pbcgov.com. Just click on the “FY-2009 Budget” link. There you will find the workshop agenda, an overview of the proposed 2009 budget, line item expenditures and revenues by departments and fund names, and previous years’ budgets. The workshop will be carried live on PBC-TV cable Channel 20 and streamed live at www.pbcgov.com. Another workshop has been scheduled for July 14 at 9:30 a.m. for additional discussion of the tentative budget. In September, two public hearings will be held for preliminary and final adoption of the 2009 budget.
Parks and Recreation Reminds Residents to “Play It Safe”
Monitor threatening weather. Be aware of thunderstorm watches and warning and look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning or increasing wind, which may be signs of a developing or approaching thunderstorm. Use the 30/30 Rule. If you see lightning, count how many seconds before you hear the thunder. If it’s less than 30 seconds, take cover. Wait 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder before resuming any outdoor activity. Get to a safer structure. If you hear thunder, suspend your activity immediately and instruct everyone to get to a safe structure. Substantial buildings provide the best protection. Once inside, stay off corded phones and away from any wiring or plumbing. Avoid sheds, small or open shelters, dugouts, bleachers, or grandstands. If a sturdy building is not nearby, a hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed will offer good protection. Lightning has struck people while they have been boating, standing under a tree, swimming, riding a lawn mower, playing soccer, golfing, fishing, bike riding and more. Postpone activities. Check the latest forecast prior to a practice or event. If thunderstorms are forecasted, consider postponing activities early to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation. Lightning causes fatalities and injuries most often during the summer months when people are outside.
Join Teens From across Palm Beach County for the Battle of the Books!
Sign up at any of the following participating libraries:
Volunteer Opportunities Available at Senior Services Volunteers are needed to help instruct seniors in basic computer skills. Classes are for beginners using an approved curriculum. Classes are held at the Mid-County Senior Citizens Center at 202 North H Street in Lake Worth, Florida. For additional information, call Vianey Serna-Yukovich, operations supervisor, at 355-4752.
There are many other volunteer opportunities to assist the elderly in Palm Beach County. Individuals volunteering through these programs may be eligible for a stipend.
For more information, call Volunteer Coordinator Dottie Little at (561) 355-4683.
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