From Mayor Christine Hunschofsky:
It is hard to believe that the last month of 2019 is already upon us. I hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving and was able to spend some quality time with family and friends. So often it is easy to get caught up preparing for the holidays, and we may forget to slow down, enjoy the special moments, and remember what the holidays are really all about. Personally, this is my favorite time of the year. The weather is (slightly) cooler, there are several holiday events throughout the community where we can catch up with friends, and my family is able to spend more time together.
For those who are missing loved ones, the holidays are an especially difficult time of year. Please reach out to your friends and family members who are missing loved ones. Let them know you are thinking about them and you are there for them if they need you. No one should feel alone during the holidays.
We have several events and activities happening in December in Parkland. The Farmers’ Market continues with an additional craft fair on December 1 and 15 from 9 am-1 pm at the Equestrian Center. This is a great opportunity to get some last-minute holiday gifts and enjoy our wonderful outdoor market. We also have a “Light Up The Park” event on December 13 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Parkland Amphitheatre in Pine Trails Park. There will be a holiday show, food trucks, and stage performances.
December 19 is the annual Parkland Snowfest for our residents. Kids and parents love this event complete with snow—including dual snow slides so kids can race their friends. There is a special area for toddlers, and everyone can enjoy crafts, music, and more. This year the event will be held at Pine Trails Park. Registration for this event opens to Parkland residents on December 2nd at 9 am at the P-REC and online. This is one of the most popular events of the year, and it fills up quickly, so register early.
Our next city Commission meetings are on Wednesday, December 4, at 7 pm and Wednesday, December 18, at 6 pm (recognitions) and 7 pm (regular meeting). You can view all Commission and Advisory Board meeting agendas at cityofparkland.org.
As 2019 comes to a close, we have much to reflect upon. Each year comes with its challenges. Yet, we are fortunate to have so many members of our community who volunteer to help others and make our community, as well as surrounding communities, a better place. It can be so easy to get caught up in negativity and toxic thinking. In fact, some days, it seems like that is all there is. Therefore it is important to seek out the good and to focus on progress, to make a conscious effort to meet each person with compassion, and to meet each day with a renewed sense of joy and determination. May we continue to focus on shared goals and working together toward common solutions.
I would like to extend my best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful holiday season and a great start to 2020. Thank you for being part of our community, thank you for all you do and thank you for continuously paying it forward and giving back. I always love hearing from members of the community, so please feel free to reach out to me via email at chunschofsky@cityofparkland.org, telephone at City Hall 954-753-5040, or any time you see me out and about at community events in Parkland.