Mayor’s Column

March

By Mayor Anne Gerwig

March means Spring is just around the corner. Days are getting longer which means we will have more time outdoors. This month, please take full advantage of all our Great Hometown has to offer.

This month, Wellington kicks off the fifth annual “Let’s Move: Commit to Change Physical Activity Challenge” with a celebration at the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, March 4, 2017. Starting at 9:00 am, instructors from Ultima Fitness will lead active demonstrations including Zumba, Taekwondo, and more. The Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County will also be on site providing free diabetes screenings. In addition, there will be information on how to stay active and healthy throughout the year, including materials on Wellington’s vast selection of recreational programming.

Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 12th; don’t forget to “spring forward” and set your clocks one hour ahead. This is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a simple safety practice that may save a life.

We are in high gear for the fiscal year 2017-2018 Budget. Wellington’s long-term financial plan is in progress and includes financial condition analyses and forecasts for the next five years. The budget kicks off this month, with all departments preparing their budget requests, and the capital plan will be put together in April. The budget staff looks forward to presenting a balanced and fiscally sound FY 2017-2018 budget that continues to make Wellington a Great Hometown.

Several of our major capital projects included in the current budget are wrapping up: the round-about at Stribling and Fairlane Farms has the final lighting, and landscaping being installed and the Forest Hill Boulevard culvert replacement project is in the closeout process with the contractor. We are gearing up for other major capital projects with construction anticipated to start mid-year. These are the two turn lane projects at the Big Blue/Birkdale and the Big Blue/Wiltshire intersections. We will keep everyone advised as the project work schedule gets finalized. Stay up-to-date with our social media and website updates for these major projects.

This month, Wellington is ready to help create a world with more birthdays. The Village will join the American Cancer Society Saturday, March 11, for this year’s Relay For Life to support the fight against cancer. Relay begins at the South Florida Fairgrounds with a Survivor Lap at 3:30 PM, an inspiring time where survivors are honored by participants in support of their incredible fight. One of the most memorable events during the night is the Luminaria Ceremony at 10:00 PM, where everyone has the opportunity to light candles and take a moment to honor those who have beat the disease, those who are still fighting, and those remembered for their courageous fight against cancer. Funds raised at Relay For Life support programs and services for patients and families in our community.

St. Patrick’s Day is on Friday, March 17th. Have fun while being responsible. And don’t forget to wear green!

Speaking of green, Wellington’s Green Market continues each Saturday this month. Food Truck Invasion happens every Thursday evening at the Amphitheater. We also have free ongoing entertainment at the Amphitheater, with great food, movies, and outstanding music. Find the complete schedule of events taking place this month by clicking here: CLICK HERE

Spring Break for our local schools runs from March 20st through the 24th and we all know how much our kids look forward to that. Fortunately, Wellington has a wide variety of outdoor activities this month for everyone to enjoy. The Village offers several camps during Spring Break including basketball, soccer, sand volleyball, and TumbleKids.

Summer Camp registrations also are now open. With summer rapidly approaching, now is the time to start thinking about activities for when the kids get out of school. Last year, camps filled up fast and we are expecting the same this year. Don’t hesitate and register online today! Wellington’s Summer Recreation Program Guide comes out this month, so make sure to head to our website www.wellingtonfl.gov to learn more.

Lastly, get your baskets ready for Wellington’s annual Egg Hunt! The Egg Hunt returns to the Village Park softball fields, located at 11700 Pierson Road, on Saturday, April 15. The event begins promptly at 10:00 a.m., and will be divided into four age groups: ages 2 and under; ages 3 to 4; ages 5 to 7; and ages 8 to 10. At each egg hunt, two eggs will have a pink bunny ticket inside, indicating a special prize. Families are encouraged to arrive early as traffic congestion may occur.

As the saying goes “spring is a time of new beginnings.” This year, that saying holds true for us here at Village Council. We are looking toward the future and are excited to work with you to ensure that Wellington remains a Great Hometown.