December, 2018 – Happy Holidays
This is one of my favorite times of the year. As we prepare for the holiday season, I look forward to the many family and community events ahead.
One of the best parts of living in Wellington is enjoying our family focused holiday events. Start your December festivities off with a holiday tree lighting and concert on Saturday, December 1st at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). The tree lighting is set to occur at 6:30 p.m. followed by a concert by King Guys – The Cool Yule Band, playing a mix of all of your favorite holiday music. Food trucks will be available on site for food and beverage purchases. A number of children’s characters will also be on hand for photo opportunities, plus enjoy a very special visit with the big man in red himself—Santa Claus! Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information.
Bring out the family for a free showing of The Star (PG) on Friday, December 7th at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information.
The Annual Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, returns on Sunday, December 9th. Enjoy a free day of fun and festivities with a holiday park at the Wellington Amphitheater from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and a judged parade filled with imaginative floats, marching bands, characters, dance troupes, and more. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and will wind its way down Forest Hill Boulevard from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way. Vendors will be on-site with goodies available for purchase. Grab your family and join us for this fantastic holiday event. Visit www.cpbcchamber.com for more information.
The next event in Wellington’s Lakeside Family Fun Days series is set to occur on Saturday, December 15th on Lake Wellington, located behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The event will feature a variety of FREE activities for the entire family to enjoy between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., including kayaking, paddle boarding, a bounce house, a rock wall, glitter tattoos, lawn games, fishing, Plaster Time Crafts, and more. Try Goat Yoga between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (pre-register at www.downwardgoat.com) and take photos with Santa between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (bring a camera). Guests can also visit with Courtyard Animal Hospital and are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the Wellington Community Services tent for the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. Tickets for Wellington’s Annual Father Daughter Dance, returning on Saturday, January 26th, will also be available for purchase. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Lakeside for more information. Come watch as local residents and boating enthusiasts light up the Lake with Wellington’s Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington. Visible from behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), boats will launch from the Meadowland Cove boat launch at 6:20 p.m. and are expected to pass behind the Wellington Community Center around 6:25 p.m. Approximately 30 festive, decorated boats are expected to cruise in the parade. Those interested in participating should contact Jack Brownson at jbrownson@comcast.net for more information.
Attend a holiday spectacular you won’t soon forget. Join N2 Nation on Saturday, December 15th, at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard), for a special Motown Magic Holiday Show. Food trucks will be available on site for food and beverage purchases. A number of children’s characters will also be on hand for photo opportunities, plus enjoy a very special visit with the big man in red himself—Santa Claus! Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information.
The 7th Annual Wellington Holiday Run 5K returns to Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Sunday, December 16th. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring out an unwrapped toy to be donated to families in the Wellington community as part of the annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. All participants will be provided with jingle bells to wear prior to the start of the race. For more details and registration information, visit www.active.com.
On December 17th, join Wellington in sharing your input on the Town Center project during a meeting at the Wellington Community Center. The meeting will consist of a facilitated session to encourage residents to voice their thoughts and ideas about Wellington’s proposed Town Center project. The Town Center project is comprised of improvements being considered for the Town Center property located at Forest Hill Boulevard and Ken Adams Way. Throughout the last few years, the Village has discussed various property improvements ranging from infrastructure and public facilities, programs, and associated site requirements, to mixed-use facilities coordinated with adjacent property owners. These components and others, together with existing improvements, will be considered through a public input process and ultimately used in developing the first phase of the Town Center project.
It is easy to see why Wellington is named “The Winter 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.
Winter break for our schools begins Friday, December 21st. 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. Councilwoman Tanya Siskind shares important consideration for sharing the road in and around our village. Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/2U9z1n1
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 Tuesday, December 18th at Village Hall, Community Services Office, the Wellington Community Center, Village Park, the Lake Wellington Professional Centre, Ultima Fitness, and any Fire Rescue station.
Writing this column and sharing a few of the ways that we can 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.
I want to wish you and yours a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and many blessings in the year to come.