Boca Behind The Scenes

Did you know that the City of Boca Raton's Utility Services Department is a 100% reuse facility for reclaimed water? The department was recently recognized for its reclaimed water system as a sustainable resource that has been a success not only nationally but also locally since the early 90s. So what does this exactly have to do with golf? In this episode of Boca Behind the Scenes, Utility Services Director Chris Helfrich and John Creane, General Manager of the award winning Broken Sound Country Club, chat about the In-City Reclamation Irrigation System, how it works and how some of the most prestigious golf courses in the area are benefitting from it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With an election year approaching, new voting equipment and ballots will be coming along with it. The City of Boca Raton recently partnered with the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office for an open house at Spanish River Library and provided voters with the opportunity to demo the new voting machines and practice on the new ballots. Host, Anne Marie Van Casteren, went "behind the scenes" at the open house to chat with Boca Raton City Clerk, Susan Saxton, and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, Wendy Sartory Link, to talk about new upgrades and programs, the importance and why to become a poll worker and what Boca Raton residents will be voting on and where. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ghouls and goblins and ghosts; oh my! The City of Boca Raton's Boca Boo Days is one of most anticipated times of the year where Recreation Services facilities and centers host a variety of spooky events, activities, family fun entertainment and even education for all to enjoy. Host, Anne Marie Van Casteren chats with Carter Bogus, Marketing Coordinator for Sugar Sand Park and Stacee Lanze, Special Events Coordinator for Sugar Sand Park, about this month's events, what event goers can expect and a sneak peak into some of the most spooky (and even scary) events. For more information about Boca Boo Days, be sure to visit their website.CONNECT WITH US

On this episode of Boca Behind the Scenes, host, Anne Marie Van Casteren talks some trash with Zach Bihr, Municipal Services Director, Austin Leroy, Sanitation Superintendent and Tony Remige, Fleet Superintendent. Listeners will hear about Sanitation Services and how the department works, the most asked questions from residents, information about the new sanitation service fee and all the new upgrades that will be added to continue to ensure world-class services to the community. CONNECT WITH US

On this episode of Boca Behind the Scenes, host, Anne Marie Van Casteren chats with the City's Innovation Specialist, Pedro Moras, and President & CEO of Palm Beach Tech Association, Joe Russo about their upcoming hackathon and other innovative initiatives in the community. The Palm Beach Tech Hackathon is an hour event where participants form teams, vet ideas, create a project, then present their work to an expert panel of judges. The themes this year are Smart Cities and Hurricane Relief, with each project relating in some part to either topic.CONNECT WITH US

Plastic Free July is an annual challenge to reduce the many ways we use disposable plastics in our daily lives and raise awareness about the amount of single use and disposable plastic is around us. The Office of Sustainability is challenging residents to try the low-plastic lifestyle for this month and see what habits can stick throughout the rest of the year. Hear from Sustainability Manager, Lindsey Nieratka and Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Manager, Leanne Welch as they discuss the benefits of going plastic-free and not only how it helps our environment but our wildlife as well.CONNECT WITH US

On this episode of Boca Behind the Scenes, host Anne Marie Van Casteren chats with City staff about how the importance of preparing for hurricane season. Hear from the experts about the many ways to connected with the City before, during and after the storm, information about evacuating, curfew rules and more. Guests include Nicole Gasparri, Emergency Manager, Chrissy Gibson, Communications Manager and Mary Siddons, Deputy City Clerk. For more information on hurricane information, please visit www.myBoca.us/BePrepared.CONNECT WITH US

In the episode, Boca Behind the scenes takes listeners through the necessary steps to prepare your trees and vegetation for hurricane season. Hear from Nora Fosman, the City's Senior Environmental Officer, on the proper way to prune your trees, how to properly maintain your trees throughout the year and how to prepare yourself, your property and your home for a potential storm. Listeners will also learn more about the Clean and Cut program, free additional bulk and vegetation pickup program provided by Sanitation Services in order to assist you in preparing for hurricane season through the month of June.CONNECT WITH US

In this episode [FULL TRANSCRIPT BELOW] of Boca Behind the Scenes, Public Relations Specialist, Anne Marie Van Casteren and Communications Manager, Chrissy Gibson, chat about all the different facilities, parks, programs and resources for those in the community with special needs and abilities. Listeners, will also have the chance to listen to Recreation Services Director, Michael Kalvort and Community Events Specialist for Sugar Sand Park, Stacee Lanze, regarding new ADA accessible updates and enhancements the City's parks and about the upcoming Especially for Kids event coming up May 18. For more information, check out the City's website by visiting www.myboca.us.CONNECT WITH US

On this episode of Boca Behind the Scenes, host Anne Marie Van Casteren chats with City staff members about the water modification process, where the City of Boca Raton's water comes from and how it's processed and addresses resident concerns. Utility Services Director, Chris Helfrich and Laboratory Director, Ashton Wydock, provide more information on the City's water utility while Sustainability Manager, Lindsey Nieratka discusses plastic water bottles versus city tap water from a sustainability standpoint. For more information about the water modification or utility services, visit www.myboca.us/utilityservices.CONNECT WITH US

Continued from Episode 20 featuring Spring City events, Public Relations Specialist, Anne Marie Van Casteren, chats with City staff to talk about a new and exciting event called Spring Fest, that will help celebrate the start of the Spring season with egg hunts, face painting, lawn games, a petting zoo and even a green market with fresh produce, flowers, locally made products, recycling activities and educational booths to promote sustainability in conjunction with Earth Month. Check out more of our upcoming City events by visiting www.myboca.us.CONNECT WITH US

In our latest episode, Public Relations Specialist, Anne Marie Van Casteren, hosts Oyuki Poletz, Program Services Librarian, and Emily Petford, Community Events Specialist, to talk about a couple of upcoming City events taking places during the Spring Season. Learn more about Touch A Truck, a family friendly event where children can see, touch, climb aboard and learn about the City's many fascinating trucks and vehicles. Listeners will also get to hear about a new and exciting event called Spring Fest, that will help celebrate the start of the Spring season with egg hunts, face painting, lawn games, a petting zoo and even a green market with fresh produce, flowers, locally made products, recycling activities and educational booths to promote sustainability in conjunction with Earth Month. Check out more of our upcoming City events by visiting www.myboca.us.CONNECT WITH US

NOTE: This episode is an edited version of Ep. 18 which now has the Sea Turtle Day information removed.In our latest episode, Communications Manager, Chrissy Gibson, hosts Lindsey Nieratka, Sustainability Manager, and Leanne Welch, Manager of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, to talk about the City of Boca Raton's Coastal Connection restaurant program, new environmental initiative that will recognize restaurants in the city that are making sustainable and eco-friendly changes to benefit our coastal community.CONNECT WITH US

In our latest episode, Communications Manager, Chrissy Gibson, hosts Lindsey Nieratka, Sustainability Manager, and Leanne Welch, Manager of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, to talk about the City of Boca Raton's Coastal Connection restaurant program, new environmental initiative that will recognize restaurants in the city that are making sustainable and eco-friendly changes to benefit our coastal community. The program will launch at the upcoming Sea Turtle Day Festival at Gumbo Limbo from 9am - 4pm. This fun-filled family day of environmental education will be packed with exciting things to see and do, including presentations, face painting, aquarium feedings, children’s theater, guided tours, crafts, exhibitors, and more.CONNECT WITH US

In Episode 17, host Anne Marie Van Casteren chats with Communications and Digital Media Coordinator, Mary McGuire, who created the #LoveBocaRaton hashtag for the City that currently has over 6,000 tagged photos. With her experience and knowledge of the digital and social media world, Mary shares some of the best (and secret) spots around the City where locals and visitors can capture the picture perfect photo (or selfie). She also talks how to capture the perfect selfie, great photo tips and some of the most popular #LoveBocaRaton photos she has seen on Instagram.CONNECT WITH US

In our first podcast of 2019, host Anne Marie Van Casteren speaks with Mike LaSalle, Mark Economou and Jason Stout of Police and Fire Rescue Services about the upcoming 2019 First Responder Expo, taking place at Boca Town Center Mall on February 2, 2019 from 10am to 2pm. The event features demonstrations, free health checks, interactive activities, free food and more. It's great fun for the whole family. They also talk about a new lifesaving app called PulsePoint that notifies CPR-trained citizens at the same time first responders are contacted for a cardiac arrest situation. CONNECT WITH US

Services Department encourage you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your family and your home. Tune in the Boca Behind the Scenes where Officer Gwynne Friters provide tips and advice for you to follow during the holiday season.To learn more about Boca Raton Police Services: https://www.myboca.us/178/Police-Services.CONNECT WITH US

Join the City of Boca Raton in honoring those who have served our country at the annual Veterans Day celebration and a FREE concert in the park. Hear from Community Events Coordinator, Monika Amar and Police Captain and veteran, Sean McGovern, as they discuss the details of the Veterans Day events and how we can further assist veterans in our communityTo learn more about Boca Raton Special Events visit: https://www.myboca.us/1167/Special-Events.CONNECT WITH US

Floods are the nation's most common and costly natural disasters and the City of Boca Raton is taking action to help reduce flood insurance rates for property owners. The City has enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities. Listen to Keith Carney, Senior Zoning Officer - Floodplain Manager and Zachary Bihr, Assistant City Manager as they explain how to protect you and your home from flood damage.CONNECT WITH US

October 2018 has Boca Raton's Recreation Services showing their spooky side. On Episode 12 of our Boca Behind the Scenes podcast, we have Carter Bogush, Marketing Coordinator at Sugar Sand Park, and Stacee Lanz, Special Event Coordinator at Sugar Sand Park, discuss all of the Halloween events part of Boca Boo Days, our month-long spooky celebration.CONNECT WITH US