Bringing you News that Counts
Bringing you News that Counts
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February 24, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
For more information about Palm Beach County’s programs and services, visit us online at www.pbcgov.com. During hurricanes or other activation events, Public Affairs will email releases to Count-e-News subscribers. If you have any questions or to provide feedback, you can email us at countenews@pbcgov.com or call (561) 355-2754. To unsubscribe from Count-e-News, click here. |
Spay/Neuter Voucher Program for Pets
The program also offers free rabies vaccinations, license tags and microchipping at Animal Care and Control for the pets of qualified owners. This valuable service will save the lives of dogs and cats and encourages residents to become responsible pet owners. Veterinarians in Palm Beach County are working with Animal Care and Control to help curb the pet overpopulation problem. As a team, Animal Care and Control pays for the spay or neuter surgery, and private veterinarians provide the service. Please visit www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal for the application and program information, or call 561-233-1252.
Park Ridge Golf Course Wins Award for Environmental Engineering
The engineering firm for the county’s Park Ridge Golf Course, Camp Dresser and McGee, has been recognized by the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE) as a 2009 Grand Award winner for excellence in environmental engineering. Park Ridge Golf Course, developed by the Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, opened to the public in March 2007. The facility, a landfill redevelopment project has received enthusiastic reviews by the public. The FICE Engineering Excellence Awards program is designed to recognize outstanding contributions to the consulting engineering profession through comprehensive evaluation of projects by a distinguished panel of experts in related fields. In addition, the top winners at the state level proceed to the national competition administered by the American Council of Engineering Companies where they will compete for, among other awards, the coveted Grand Conceptor Award. The Grand Award winners will be recognized throughout the year. Recognition includes articles in the January 2009 Florida Engineering Society (FES) journal and FICE Update, postings on the FES and FICE Web sites, the FICE banquet, the 2009 FICE display, and the 2010 FICE directory and guide.
Consumer Traps & Tips - Selecting the Right Tax Preparer
A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
The 2008 tax year was not very good for Ruth from West Palm Beach. She was widowed, her small business failed, and her rental property didn’t do well. All of this left Ruth confused since her husband had previously handled the taxes. With all these changes in her life, should Ruth try to do her own tax preparation? She had seen advertisements for tax preparers and even heard she could get her refund right away, for a fee. One tax preparer promised to get her a big refund. What should Ruth do? Tips The tax preparation industry is not regulated in Florida, and preparers are not required to be licensed or pass a background check. Here are several ways to avoid a tax preparation nightmare: · First, decide if you even need a tax preparer. Many tax returns are not complex and require only a simple filing. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask about free or minimum cost assistance programs. · Ask about your preparer’s qualifications. Some situations may call for a certified public accountant or an “enrolled agent” licensed by the IRS. · Get an estimate of costs up front. Don’t be afraid to shop around or change preparers if you are not comfortable. · Be wary of preparers who promise a big refund or base their fee on the amount of your refund. You, not the preparer, are ultimately responsible for your tax return. · Be cautious about “refund anticipation loans.” These loans are secured by your anticipated tax refund and may carry hefty fees and interest rates. By using the IRS’s e-file program, tax refunds can be processed in as little as 10 days. For more information, call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers have filed complaints against the company you are considering.
Applications Being Accepted for OCR’s 2009 Neighborhood Partnership Grant (NPG) Program
This is the ninth year OCR has issued neighborhood partnership grants. Examples of how these funds can be used include recreational improvements, entryways, street sign toppers, right of way landscaping, exterior painting, tree planting, fencing and art murals. The deadline for filing an application is June 19, 2009. Application packets are available at the Vista Center, located at 2300 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach and may be downloaded starting February 20, 2009 from the OCR Web site at http://www.pbcgov.com/ocr. Potential applicants must submit a letter of intent by April 24, 2009 and attend one of the application workshops to review the application criteria and grant guidelines. All meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m. March
17, 2009: Glades Region
– Belle Glade City Hall, Commission Chambers March 18, 2009: Central County – Vista Center 2300 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach WHAT: Neighborhood Partnership Grants WHEN: March 17th and 18th WHERE: Two locations in Palm Beach County DEADLINE: April 24, 2009 Letter of Intent/June 19, 2009 Grant Deadline CONTACT: Chrystal Mathews, Senior Planner (561) 233-5565 cmathews@pbcgov.com
Cooperative Extension Offers Workshop on Making Rain Barrels
Rainwater harvesting is always beneficial, whether the water is used to water a houseplant or an entire garden. Also, the act of collecting rainwater can be an inspiration for finding other ways to conserve water around the home. Program participants will watch a presentation on how to construct different styles of rain barrels. Pre-constructed barrels will be given to each participant at the end of the program. Come to Grassy Waters Nature Reserve and learn about water conservation through rainwater collection and take home a pre-built rain barrel for only $50. Pre-registration is requested by March 9, 2009. Please call 561-804-4985 for more information or to register. What: Rain barrel workshop When: March 14, 2009 from 10 to 11 a.m. Where: Grassy Waters Nature Center, 8264 Northlake Blvd., WPB Cost: $50
Youth Tennis Night at Lake Lytal Park
This event is presented by East Coast Tennis Foundation, Inc., a USTA Community Tennis Association. Activities and information sessions will include: · Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation tennis programs · Junior Clinic and organized tennis games with USTA giveaways · Tennis and Academics Summer Camp registration information · Quickstart Tennis: a new format for kids age 10 and under · USTA Jr. Team Tennis For additional information, contact (561) 686-1103 or eastcoasttennis@att.net. Lake Lytal Park tennis courts are operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and are located in Lake Lytal Park at 3645 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406. Visit www.pbcparks.com/sports/tennis.htm for more leisure tennis opportunities available through the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.
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