Parkland Vice Mayor Bob Mayersohn.
A Message from Vice Mayor Bob Mayersohn
June is a special month for many. It is the month when summer begins, school ends, and there is increased support to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. While some are eager to celebrate Flag Day and enjoy the summer solstice (the day with the longest daylight), others are not keenly looking forward to the rise in temperature and humidity.
However, for me, what makes June special is Father’s Day. While Mother’s Day was proclaimed as a national holiday in 1914, it was not until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson officially declared Father’s Day as a national holiday.
As a son, I have had two great dad role models, my father, and stepfather. While both have passed on, I am inspired every day by the wisdom, support, and love they provided. Giving me the encouragement to succeed and reminding me to embrace what I have learned from setbacks has helped guide me. Using their insight to employ my own fatherly advice, I sometimes revert to their universal fatherly guidance, “you know when I was your age…”
For me personally, as a father of a child with a disability, the road continues to be filled with so much joy. I have strived to provide the most fulfilling, productive, and meaningful life for Garrett by focusing on the opportunities, not the obstacles. Candidly though, in speaking with many fathers of children in the physical, behavioral, or mental health space, the most difficult obstacle has been deciding where and when our tough-love should be outweighed by our unconditional love.
I would be remiss if I did not recognize my colleagues and wish them a happy Father’s Day. As fathers and public role models, they are sensitive, kind, compassionate, and loving fathers. You can certainly see their commitment as fathers by the work they do throughout our community.
So, on this Father’s Day, pause to recognize the wonderful fathers, stepfathers, foster care dads, uncles, brothers, and mentors and the critical role they play. Simultaneously, let us be mindful of the sadness for some in our community who have been impacted by a loss by showing them our love and support too.
Our city calendar is filled with our extremely popular events, such as Eats ‘n’ Beats on June 5, Fishing Derby on June 12, and Movies in the Park featuring “Moana” on June 25. To see other upcoming city events, please visit: cityofparkland.org/calendar.
Our City Commission meetings will be on Wednesday, June 2nd and June 16th, starting at 7:00 p.m. You can see our agenda at cityofparkland.org/cc and watch our meetings live stream at cityofparkland.org/livestream.
Finally, I want to thank Mayor Walker for passing the pen to provide me the opportunity to be a guest contributor this month. Thank you, Mayor.
Bob Mayersohn
Vice Mayor, City of Parkland, Florida
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