Mayor’s Column
November 2015
The month of November is when we give thanks for our health, families, jobs, and our great hometown. As we approach the end of the year, the days get shorter while Wellington gets busier. Please remember to “fall back” by setting your clocks back one hour on November 1st for the change to Daylight Savings.
Even through this busy time and holiday season, I encourage you to stay involved with the Village. Please make sure your voice is heard by participating in our Village’s decision making process. For complete list of meetings and agendas, click here, http://wellingtonfl.gov/government/agendas, or visit our website and social media pages (Twitter: @wellingtonflgov, and Facebook: Wellington, Florida).
The 2016 Florida Legislative session starts early next year because of elections. We are working with our legislators on the issues that impact us. Wellington’s priorities are to monitor agricultural exemptions, agri-tourism and the transfer of costs from private utilities to local governments which means a transfer to you the taxpayer. We are closely watching Amendment 1 funding as it relates to water supply projects, litigation relating to the final EPA rule amendment to the Clean Water Rule which defines “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS), sober homes regulations, affordable housing and a potential solar power constitutional amendment. Wellington’s Council is working to set our basic priorities as we gear up for what promises to be a busy legislative session.
Along with legislative work, Wellington has a number of upcoming highlights and events designed for our residents. On behalf of Council and Staff, please join me at the following:
Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th. Each year the Village and the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390 honor all current and former members of the armed forces with a Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade begins at 8:15 a.m., commencing at Village Hall, located at 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard. The parade is followed by a ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial, located on the corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and South Shore Boulevard. Join me in showing our support for our returned troops and honor those in our community who have served our country.
If you are an active or retired veteran attending the ceremony, I would like to personally thank you for your service and invite you to join us as we honor you and your fellow service men and women. You will have an opportunity to add your name to our roll call the morning of the event at the Wellington tent.
We have changes in store for the upcoming opening of The Green Market at Wellington scheduled to resume on Saturdays, 9 am – 1 pm, beginning November 14th. Please mark your calendars and make sure you do not miss out.
Holiday season officially begins on Monday, November 16th around Wellington. Village staff will begin decorating all around Wellington. I would like to invite you and your family to the Annual Tree Lighting event on Saturday, December 5th. For more information, please make sure to visit our website: www.wellingtonfl.gov, and follow us on Twitter: @wellingtonflgov, and Facebook: Wellington, Florida.
It is easy to see why Wellington is named “Equestrian Capital of the World.” We are starting to see many of our friends as “season” approaches. Join me in welcoming all “Seasonistas” and their four-legged friends. Please check out the equestrian venues for current and upcoming events schedules. With a busy season approaching, please be aware of the increased traffic on the roads.
The Village continues its tradition of partnering with InterFaith, the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, The Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, Walmart, and Ultima Fitness for the annual “Hometown Holiday Food Drive.” The drive runs through Wednesday, November 17th. Please drop off donations at Village Hall, the Wellington Community Services Office, Village Park, Lake Worth Professional Center, or Ultima Fitness. Non-perishable items such as instant mashed potatoes, packaged stuffing, and canned vegetables are appreciated.
The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season and I hope you consider shopping locally with our many wonderful merchants. Please remember that the Village of Wellington will be closed on Thursday, November 26th and Village Park will be closed November 26th and 27th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
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As you can see, Wellington is staying busy as the summer heat gives way to crisp autumn air. There is no better time to get the family outdoors to see movies at the Amphitheater, enjoy our weekly, Thursday food truck invasion, or go nature-spotting at one of our beautiful natural preserves. With no shortage of family friendly fun around the Village, I am thankful to call Wellington home, because it truly is a Great Hometown, and I am glad you are part of it.
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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.