Bringing you News that Counts
Bringing you News that Counts
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November 17, 2008
IN THIS ISSUE
· 4-H Youth Learn About County Government · Four-Year-Old Receives “Hero Award” from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue · PBC Extension Service to Host Free Diabetes Workshop · Riverbend Park Launches New Program to Promote Trash Pickup · Library Adds iPod Compatible Audiobooks to Downloadable Collection
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4-H Youth Learn About County Government
The day’s activities included an opportunity for 4-H senior members to take a look at the butterfly ballot to see what all the commotion was about during the 2000 presidential election. During one exercise, 4-H members took a look at a voting booth from the 2000 election where 4-H member Taylor Braunworth examined a paper ballot. (see photo.)
Amendments on the ballot were also discussed. 4-H members learned that only 65 percent of voters actually vote on amendments, and of them, 55 percent don’t read an amendment until they arrive at the polls.
The students also experienced campaigning while role playing. Caitlin Hanley ran for chief cook and bottle washer; Blake Wicklander ran for chief security officer; Taylor Braunsworth developed a brochure to convince others that she was the best director of bargain hunting; Tate Bent tried to get votes as chief Cooperative Extension gardener; and Carey Elfring was most confident that she would serve as the best community dog catcher.
Members also enjoyed a visit to the newly restored Palm Beach County courthouse and a tour of the Flagler Museum.
For more information on 4-H, call 233-1731 or visit www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/coopext/4H.
Four-Year-Old Receives “Hero Award” from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
The young boy, Steven Shore from Lake Worth, was at a birthday pool party in June when he saw his playmate struggling in the water. He immediately kept her head above water while holding on to the side of the pool until an adult noticed the situation. Steven had been taking private swimming lessons for two years. He was honored at a press conference on Sept. 30 when a new joint drowning prevention program was announced.
PBC Extension Service to Host Free Diabetes Workshop
November is Diabetes Prevention Month. Many people may have the disease and not know they are diabetics. Symptoms like increased urination, excessive thirst or hunger, weight loss, fatigue, wounds that are hard to heal, and blurred vision may be a signal; but sometimes type 2 diabetes has no symptoms. Early treatment to control blood glucose levels helps decrease a person’s chances of developing blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, and eventually amputations. Diabetes cost Americans $174 billion annually. The economic impact of indirect costs are estimated to be $58 billion when accounting for reduced productivity in the labor force, unemployment from disease-related disability and increased absenteeism. In this workshop, ideas will be offered on how to prevent the disease and live a healthier life. A free glucose testing will be offered. There is no charge. For reservations or more information, call (561) 233-1742.
Riverbend Park Launches New Program to Promote Trash Pickup
The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department has launched a “Carry Out What You Carry In” trash program at Riverbend Park. Trash cans have been removed from the park and individual trash bag dispensers have been provided in several convenient locations so visitors can collect trash they produce in the park and carry it home for proper disposal.
The removal of the unsightly trash cans will mean no more unpleasant odors which attract pests such as bees, wasps and ants. Wildlife will also benefit by not becoming dependent upon trash as a food source. The new program will also save time and money, allowing staff to take care of the park instead of emptying trash cans and disposing of the trash. The program encourages visitors to contribute to keeping the park beautiful for years to come.
Riverbend Park is located at 9060 Indiantown Road in Jupiter. For more information about leisure opportunities available through the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department visit www.pbcparks.com.
Library Adds iPod Compatible Audiobooks to Downloadable Collection
The new MP3 format audiobooks can be used with the Apple iPod, as well as hundreds of other MP3 players, and most cell phones.
Currently there are over 400 iPod compatible MP3 titles to choose from which can be accessed from home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most audiobooks circulate for 14 days and automatically expire, so there are never any overdue notices or late fees to worry about. Additional iPod compatible titles will be added on a monthly basis. With the introduction of MP3 audiobooks, the Library’s digital media collection now includes over 1,400 titles by bestselling authors, as well as self improvement, business, and other popular nonfiction. There is also an extensive Learning a Language section that features a wide variety of foreign language instructional audiobooks. For further information about the Library’s digital media collection and to begin enjoying the new MP3 audiobooks, visit: http://www.pbclibrary.org/audiobooks.htm
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