Mayor’s Column
February Mayor’s Column
Thank you to everyone that attended Wellington’s Breakfast on the Green event on New Year’s Eve day! What a great way to ring in the New Year and kick off the Village’s 20th Incorporation Anniversary celebration. Please mark your calendars for our next commemorative event on Saturday, March 19th at Village Park. We are planning another fun filled day of festivities, so make sure to check the event calendar on our website for details: http://bit.ly/1RbiEBQ
How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? One very serious resolution we must all keep is to promote safety and educate ourselves about crimes of opportunity. Wellington continues to focus on sharing home security tips and has been spreading the message through our Wellington TV channel, social media, and our newsletter – “Don’t become a victim of a crime of opportunity.” We want to remind residents to:
- lock doors, including garage and sliding glass doors
- arm security systems
- report suspicious activity to PBSO immediately
Please watch our very informative Public Service Announcements available on our YouTube page: http://bit.ly/1Ja1Xyi. Wellington works with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to provide timely information and encourage safety throughout our neighborhoods.
In keeping with fulfilling resolutions, Wellington’s new Community Center is taking center stage. To celebrate Leap Year 2016 and as part of our 20th Anniversary events, Council will hold a “Topping Off” ceremony for the addition of the new community center roof on Monday, February 29th. We anticipate a grand opening in early summer as we welcome our newest addition.
The new Community Center is also part of Wellington’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. We have just released a comprehensive Public Service Announcement highlighting some of the ways in which Wellington is working to create a greener future. Click this link to watch: http://bit.ly/1k0LEwX. Wellington’s Mission is “to provide high quality services that create economic, environmental and social sustainability for residents.” Wellington’s efforts are multi-faceted and include:
- Water conservation initiatives with reclaimed wastewater used for irrigation and low-flow fixtures using rainwater collected from rain cisterns.
- Equipment and vehicle modifications to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Installation of native plants throughout Wellington.
- Green purchasing guidelines in our infrastructure construction and material purchases.
- Energy efficiencies including installation of LED lights in all Wellington buildings and parks, using 75% less energy along with reducing the quantity and timing of replacements.
- Using Best Management Practices to address waste disposal through the production of fertilizer, increased recycling and treatment of storm water.
- Increased use of technology to reduce paper through electronic bill paying, permitting, and records management options.
- Offering improved alternative transportation options for bicycles, walkways, golf carts, and horses.
Keep up the good work, and to reward yourself for progress with your resolutions, treat yourself to one or more of Wellington’s fun February events.
We kick off the month with our annual Father Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 6th. This year’s theme is “Wish Upon a Starfish.” Set sail for an evening of enchantment under the sea with the special mermaid princesses in your life! Bring your daughters, ages 5 to 14, for dinner, music, dancing and fun. Each attendee will receive a special memory keepsake at the end of the evening. The fun begins at 6:00 pm at Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road.
Join Wellington’s Village Manager Paul Schofield and the Wellington Chamber for “Coffee with the Village Manager” on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 8:00 am at Village Hall at 12300 Forest Hill Blvd.
This networking event is an interactive opportunity for residents, businesses, community organizations, and newcomers to share information and discuss upcoming events, plans, and activities occurring in the Wellington area with the Village Manager.
The Village of Wellington will provide breakfast treats, coffee, and orange juice for attendees.
Happy Valentine’s Day! This month,we proclaim our love in all forms because, as The Beatles put it, “Love Is All You Need.” Valentine’s Day is a time to share with loved ones; a day to show them just how special they are. So spend this Valentine’s Day Weekend at one of our great restaurants, shopping in our community or enjoying the open space of our parks.
On Monday, February 15th, Americans across the country will celebrate Presidents Day. While many of us will take that time to relax with our families, it is also important for us to reflect on the historical significance of this holiday. Two of our greatest presidents were born this month—George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Their steadfast leadership and lasting contributions played a vital role in establishing the peace and freedom that we enjoy today.
Enjoy ongoing free entertainment at the Wellington Amphitheater with live concerts, movie nights and local singers. Our Thursday night “Food Truck Invasion” continues this month with live music at each event. View the schedule on our website wellingtonfl.gov for more details on all of the February events.
Did you know that this year also marks the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s 20th year serving our community? Join the Village and the Wellington Chamber as we celebrate this milestone with the inaugural ColorFest 5k. Runners hit the ground on Sunday, February 28th. For more information, please visit the Wellington Chamber’s website: http://bit.ly/1Pb5Vc3
I look forward to seeing you all around the Village this month, enjoying all that our Great Hometown has to offer.