I am the daughter of a World War II veteran who was awarded two Purple Hearts from wounds suffered in combat in North Africa. Like many veterans, my Dad never talked about the war. When asked to go to Vietnam after the Tet Offensive for a search and return of “missing in action” (MIA) service members, Dad never hesitated. I asked him why would he go since he would be missing my graduation, he simply said, “you never leave a soldier behind.”

This is the motive for my passing a bill into law every year of my legislative career. This is the reason I sponsored a Veterans Benefit Fair. Far too many veterans feel lost, depressed and as if they’re forgotten. A government study released recently, found that as many as 44 veterans commit suicide every day.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the Veterans National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Veterans Benefit Fair

Thank You for a Successful Event
On Friday, Feb. 3, the much anticipated Veterans Benefit Fair was held at the South County Civic Center in Delray Beach. We were honored to have the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs as our guest speaker. The auditorium was packed with veterans, their families and service organizations as we welcomed Maj. Gen. James “Hammer” Hartsell, USMC.

It was a great success and I was honored to be able to give back to those who have given so much to our country.
Vice Mayor Maria Sachs and Maj. Gen. James S.Hartsell, USMC.
Vice Mayor Maria Sachs opening the ceremony.
THE MISSION
To reach every veteran in need of services.
Vendors and representatives from over 30 organizations, along with 11 volunteers, were on site to provide assistance and information on available services for our veterans and their families.
Project 425, a local organization, brought a Huey helicopter and Humvees were on site for photo opportunities.
Veterans and their families along with County staff gathered to hear from various speakers.
THE STRATEGY
Coordinate with our Federal and State partners to provide wraparound government services to those who served.
Sheriff’s Office Captain Robert Sandt, County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Maj. Gen. James S.Hartsell, USMC, and Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Joe Abruzzo, U.S. Coast Guard, retired.
Speakers from the County’s Veterans Services, the VA Medical Center, Heroes to Heroes and veterans of the United States Navy, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Marines and Veterans of Foreign Wars addressed the crowd.
Our veterans and their families especially enjoyed interacting with canines from Semper Fi Service Dogs and Awesome Greyhound Adoption's Hounds and Heroes program.
LONG-RANGE OBJECTIVE
To build a Village of Valor for veterans in Palm Beach County that will provide medical, mental and social services. Funding will come from our federal and state partners.
Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Maria Sachs, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Maj. Gen. James S. Hartsell, USMC, and County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker.
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!

If you are a veteran, married to a veteran or know a veteran in need of services, contact Andy Reese of the County's Veterans Services at 561-276-1225, located at 345 South Congress Avenue, Suite 104, Delray Beach or call our office at 561-355-2205.
The Awarding of a Quilt of Honor to Veterans Jason and Michelle
This commendation is a ceremony in which a nominated veteran touched by war, is wrapped in the quilt symbolizing our gratitude. “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”

For more information regarding the Quilt of Valor, visit qovf.org.
For Better Health
Free Medical Services in Our Community
The Health Care District of Palm Beach County has a Community Health Center located at 9900 South Central Blvd., 4th Floor, Suite 450, on the West Boca Medical Center Campus.
 
This modern facility, staffed with board-certified providers and highly trained medical staff, offers comprehensive adult primary care medical services to patients with or without insurance and regardless of their ability to pay. Most health insurances are accepted.
 
Walk-ins are welcome and appointments can be made by calling 561-642-1000.
Events in Our Community
Saturday, March 4
Join us for the Natural Areas Festival at Winding Waters Natural Area on Saturday, March 4, where we'll have guided hikes, paddles, environmental exhibitors, trail races, prescribed fire demo and more!

For more information or to register for the event visit http://bit.ly/3KCdMqv.
Delray Beach St. Patrick's Day Festival & Parade
The festival is a free, family-friendly event that draws in the parade and downtown Delay Beach crowd. The festival will host Irish instrument demonstrations, Irish storytellers, Celtic axe throwing, Irish step dancing, strolling bagpipers, children's Irish arts and crafts, merchandise vendors, Cliffs of Moher inclusive rock climbing, Blarney Castle bounce house and more!

The festival & parade will take place on Saturday, March 11, from noon-7 p.m. Parade Route: West along Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal waterway to NW 5th Avenue. The festival will take place at Old School Square, located at 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach.

For more information, visit stpatsdelray.com.
Stickwork Presentation, Tour & Book Signing With Artist Patrick Dougherty
On Saturday, March 11, from 1-2:30 p.m., Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will host a special event featuring internationally acclaimed environmental artist Patrick Dougherty. He recently completed the final largescale Stickwork installation of his illustrious art career at Mounts Botanical Garden using 30,000 pounds of live willow branches. Dougherty will lead a fascinating discussion of his design and building process, answer questions and share what inspires his creativity. He will also be signing limited edition Stickwork catalogs which will be available for purchase.

Free for members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full garden admission.
Special Presentation at Mounts Botanical Garden With Tony Doris
Join The Palm Beach Post's Opinion Editor Tony Doris on Wednesday, March 15, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., for a special presentation at Mounts Botanical Garden.

Tony describes himself as an occasional marathoner, crossword fanatic, lapsed guitarist and an embarrassing golfer. His novels, Dirt, and the sequel, Floater, are loosely based on his reporting of Miami corruption.

Registration fee of $35 includes lunch and a garden tour option at $12. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3ZxJtpn.

Mounts Botanical Garden is located at 559 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach.
Animal Care & Control Spotlight
Meet Gabby, Our Senior Gentleman
This handsome senior boy came from a less than optimal situation and took some time to adjust to his new environment. However, he does warm up to people and is friendly. Gabby is looking for a loving forever family to call his own. Come and meet him today!
 
If you are interested in adopting Gabby, visit Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division's SNAP website here and you'll see him.
 
Stay tuned for the next issue, as I will feature another animal in need of a forever home.
Dear Commissioner


I would like to volunteer in a nature program. What is available?
 
I recommend Green Cay Nature Center.
 

Green Cay Nature Center overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland and provides educational opportunities about this unique habitat. The wetland features 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk with interpretive signs about the habitat. Below are some of the upcoming activities:
SCIENCE FOR SENIORS - WILDNESS & THE ART OF SEEING THINGS: A NATURE JOURNAL/ART WORKSHOP
Friday, March 3, 1 p.m.
This series is designed for those ages 50 and above who enjoy a wide variety of subjects. Programs presented by guest speakers.

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS: OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m.
All ages, $3/participant (Reservations required, limit 20)
Join a naturalist as we learn about Florida’s reptiles and amphibians.

BIRD TALK & WALK: WETLAND BIRDS
Saturday, March 11, 9:30 a.m.
All ages, $3/participant (Reservations required, limit 20)
Start the day off with a Florida bird presentation followed by a one-hour birding tour with one of our naturalists. Bring binoculars and your field guide if you have them.

SCIENCE FOR SENIORS: REWILDING - RETURNING HUMAN PROPERTY BACK TO THE WILD
Friday, March 17, 1 p.m.
Ages 50+, $5/participant (Reservations required, limit 50)
This series is designed for those ages 50 and above who enjoy a wide variety of subjects. Programs presented by guest speakers.

Register online at pbcparks.com; under “Online Services” click on Register/Pay for Program, or visit the nature center to register and make payment. All participants are required to sign a Program Participation Form before each program.

Green Cay Nature Center is located at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach.

For more information on Green Cay Nature Center and other county operated nature centers, visit pbcnature.com. All programs are by online reservation only, unless otherwise stated.
Your County Commissioner,
Maria Sachs
Palm Beach County District 5
Please feel free to call Our Office with any questions.

Commissioner Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners | District 5