Mayor’s Column
December Mayor’s Column
This is one of my favorite times of the year. As we prepare for the holiday season, I am looking forward to the many family and community events ahead. This year is 20 times as special, as we ring in the New Year celebration it is Wellington’s 20th Anniversary, also.
One of the best parts of living in Wellington is enjoying our family focused holiday events. This year, the Village kicks off the season with our annual Holiday tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 5th starting at 7:00 pm at the Amphitheater. After the ceremony, enjoy the sounds of “The Cool Yule Band” beginning at 7:30 pm. Stop by the Amphitheater on Sunday, December 6th for a performance of The Velveteen Rabbit starring the Wellington Ballet Theatre. The show begins at 7:30 pm.
Marching in on the heels of this performance, join me at the 32nd Annual Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 13, starting at 1:30 pm. Enjoy this festive day with a judged parade of imaginative floats created by school bands, local organizations, baton twirlers, and the biggest celebrity of all, Santa Claus. The route begins at Wellington Trace and continues down Forest Hill Boulevard, ending at the Wellington Amphitheater.
The Amphitheater transforms into a Winter Wonderland on Saturday, December 19. This year’s spectacular will be an unforgettable holiday performance set to the theme of Disney’s “Frozen” along with fabulous holiday music. The show features professional performers, singers, dancers, and some of your favorite holiday characters. Santa Claus himself will be stopping by for a visit. Join the fun beginning at 7:30 pm.
It is easy to see why Wellington is named “Equestrian Capital of the World.” The holiday season heralds the return of our winter residents, both people and horses. There are more cars on our roads and more horses everywhere. It is a time for increased caution, especially as we get closer to the Holidays, and the beginning of the winter equestrian season. If you haven’t done so already, take a look at our latest Wellington Minute video by clicking on this link: http://bit.ly/216kGG7 PBSO’s Captain Jay Hart shares tips on staying safe on our roads this season. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see more videos and stay up to date on the latest around Wellington.
Winter break for our schools begins Monday, December 21. That means more children out enjoying our Great Hometown. Remember to watch out for our 
youngest residents and take a little extra time to be aware of your surroundings on the road.
Safety doesn’t stop at your driveway. Christmas tree fires are responsible for untold damages, injuries and even deaths every year. If you’re using a live tree water it daily to keep it moist and remember to keep it away from open flames and heat sources. The greatest gift you can give our local firefighters is a day off.
Let’s not forget that the Holidays are a time of giving as well as receiving. By all means, visit Wellington’s fine shops and find that perfect gift for your loved ones. But remember to take some time to help our neighbors in need. This year, you can make a child’s holiday brighter by participating in the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. Drop off your unwrapped toys by December 18th at the Wellington Community Center, Village Hall, Parks and Recreation, the Lake Wellington Professional Centre, any Fire Rescue station, Goddard School, Bright Horizons, and Ultima Fitness.
Finally, on Thursday, December 31st, we say goodbye to 2015 and Happy Birthday to Wellington! Join me and the rest of Council as we kick off a year-long celebration of Wellington’s incorporation anniversary with “Breakfast on the Green.” The event takes place at the Amphitheater from 9:00 am through 11:00 am. It is free and open to the public. Attendees are invited to savor breakfast and refreshments as they enjoy the sounds of live music.
Writing this column and sharing a few of the ways that we can both gather and give as a community this holiday season is one more blessing I can count in my own life. I am very grateful for the privilege of serving as your Mayor. The past year has been filled with many accomplishments. I want to personally thank the volunteers, members of our boards and commissions, Village staff, and Council members for their dedication. In the New Year, I resolve to do my part to make Wellington a great place to live.
I want to wish you and yours a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and many blessings in the year to come.
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Bob Margolis, recently elected as Mayor of the Village of Wellington, was first appointed to the Village Council in April of 2003, and was then elected to a four-year term in March, 2004. Prior to that initial appointment, he had proven his community spirit many times over by a long list of community endeavors and volunteer efforts.