September, 2020
It seems as though the summer season just began and now it’s almost over. As summer ends, and fall begins, we slowly welcome cooler temperatures and brace for the peak of Hurricane Season. With COVID-19 still threatening our community, it is important to remember that last-minute storm preparations may be slowed by virus mitigation practices. It is more important than ever to prepare early. Be sure to add extra COVID-19 related supplies to your emergency kits such as masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
It has been said that times of great adversity are a window into the human spirit. Our community’s collective efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 has shown us that the spirit of Wellington has never been stronger or kinder. As we continue to get “back to normal,” we ask that you continue taking precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
I’d like to remind our neighbors to postpone all tree trimming projects until the end of the hurricane season. Once the National Weather Service has named a storm and identified that Palm Beach County could be in the path, the following steps should be taken to minimize waste:
- Do not place bulk trash at the curb. Services may be suspended and facilities may close early to prepare for the storm.
- Do not cut down any trees or begin major work.
- Do not begin construction projects that could produce debris.
- Once a watch or warning has been issued, do not trim vegetation of any kind.
Mass cutting places a tremendous burden on the normal collection process and there is not enough equipment or manpower to collect the additional material before the storm makes landfall. Avoid putting yourself and your neighbors in harm’s way.
I encourage you to visit Wellington’s website for hurricane preparedness information and to sign up for our Emergency Notification System, to receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news.
While we continue to focus on storm preparations, we cannot forget that we are in the midst of an important United States Census. An accurate Census count is very important as the data obtained is used to determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives and to draw congressional and state legislative districts. Census data helps determine federal funding for more than 100 programs, including school lunches, highway construction, and education. If you have not yet completed your Census, please do so now, visit my2020census.gov or call 884-330 -2020.
September is also a time for remembrance in our Great Hometown. I invite you to join Wellington’s Council in honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks through our Virtual 9/11 Tribute. While we cannot gather at Wellington’s Patriot Memorial for our annual ceremony, we’ve created a webpage, Wellingtonfl.gov/September11, dedicated to preserving the memory of those who lost their lives. I invite you to stop by the memorial, located next to Village Hall at 12198 Forest Hill Boulevard, on your own time and take a moment to read their names.
Wellington dedicated its Patriot Memorial on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The memorial includes one of the largest steel beams salvaged from the World Trade Center, as well as an eternal flame, fountain, and etched glass panels inscribed with the names of the victims.
Until next month, stay safe and as always, I look forward to seeing you around our Great Hometown.
