It is hard to believe that yet another year has passed. As I was looking through old photos of holidays past and reflecting on my many blessings, I was reminded of the things that bind my family together. It is the old traditions that include sharing what each family member is thankful for, the secret family recipes for turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy and stuffing and Mother's special crystal glasses. And, it is the new traditions- "Soup Night", Turkey Trot and homemade pasta- that we have embraced as we have added to our family through marriage, life-partners and friends that have become a part of our extended family. It is the traditions, old and new, that are handed down from generation to generation they tie us together and define us as a family and make us a part of something bigger.
Our Village is much the same as our families. Village traditions that have been passed through the years and changes in elected leaders. Old traditions that include: Our Village Picnic, Movie Nights, Holiday by the Bay, Holiday Canal Boat Parade, Ladybug Releases, Chabad Menorah Lighting, Food Truck nights and a host of programs at our outstanding parks. And new traditions like 5K Color Run, Rock and Country Concerts, Pinerock Land Clean-up, Youth Advisory Council, Downtown Tree Lighting and so many more. It is these traditions that bind our Village together and make us all a part of something bigger, The Village of Palmetto Bay community. Together as a Council, we have created many opportunities for residents to engage in sharing ideas and making recommendations to the Council on everything from our growth and budget to our parks and community events. I encourage you to come to committee and council meetings and help us to celebrate the great foundation of our city and shape its future. I am honored to be serving and count you and our Village amongst my many blessings.
Thank you for making Palmetto Bay a great place to live, work, learn and play. As always, I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in and around the Village. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!