Tomorrow we honor all those who served for us.

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I which officially took place on the 11th hour of the 11th month of 1918.

In legislation passed in 1938, November 11th was dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'. After all, World War I was known as "the war to end all wars." As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day is not a bump in the road on our calendar where we say to ourselves ... "Hey, Thanksgiving is two weeks away ... and you know what that means, right? Christmas is around the corner!"

Too often, Veteran’s Day is a day to be wrapped up in bunting and commemorated as if it were the Fourth of July. Although our national colors have a prominent place in its observance, the distinction has to do with what we are celebrating -- not the glorious beginning of a new nation dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – but to those who served their country with honor to protect our lives and liberties so we could enjoy our individual pursuits.

Their efforts should be observed with reverence. And thankfulness. We should commemorate this day with the solemnity and grace which is rightfully theirs ... given freely by a grateful nation.

Veterans Day is a day we dedicate to them … to remember those who served in defense of this country and the ideals for which this country stands.

Given today's international circumstances, we may want some drape of patriotism to surround this day.

We may wish there is some nod toward a higher motive more than mere circumstance. But, not too much. For if we did, we begin to trivialize the individual sacrifice each of them, men and women, made.

And there should be a lesson in there for all of us.

War should not be the occupation of a nation. Only something approached with caution and thought when that nation has thrust upon it a situation that endangers its citizens' lives and liberties.

To ensure that it is not, many have served. They chose, or were sometimes required, to live in a manner which brought them all in harm's way.

Yet, they stood for all of us. Regardless of our sacrifice, our beliefs, our values, or, more importantly, our opinions of them. Their sacrifice ensures that it does not touch every household, every family.

Thus, perhaps, we should leave the understanding of their sacrifice in God's hands. Only He can know the full measure of what was lost and what was gained.

Our task is to acknowledge the sacrifice all of our veterans have made, yet not trivialize it.

To remember that it was made.

To remember the peace that was purchased by these brave men and women.

So, tomorrow is Veterans Day. The Village is honoring the nation’s veterans tomorrow morning at Veterans Park. Come and join us. Give an hour to the brave men and women that purchased our peace. Or as my high school civics teacher imparted to us, "lest we forget".

We start at 9am. I’ll see you there.

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Today is election day in Wellington and 18 other communities in Palm Beach County.

It is our right and duty to vote and we need to make sure we exercise that right, especially these elections. Our actions today to vote or not to vote will have an impact on OUR community.

You might say that my vote doesn't count and you don't have time. You need to make time to go out and vote. Take your kids and teach them a great lesson on their repsonsibilities as a citizen.

Your vote does count. Not too awful long ago one of our Village Council elections was decided by 5 votes. So yes it is important.

And for whom to vote? That's a personal choice that carries a guarantee of secrecy.

But a few thoughts for you.

First, the next two years are going to bring many budget decisions that will be challenging to say the least. That being said, we need to retain our two incumbents, Mayor Tom Wenham and Councilman Carmine Priore.

Yes, I know it sounds like I support the good ole boys network, but that not true. I have known both of these gentlemen for many years. I have had many disagreements over the years with these two, but, you know what, we were always able to resolve them.

Personally, Mayor Wenham's demeanor on the council serves the community best as the steady hand on the wheel. It may appear that sometimes he sticks his finger up in the air to see which the way the wind blows, but isn't that what we really want? Someone that listens to us and takes the time to find out what we, as taxpayers, want. Then takes action on it.

Don't get me wrong, I like Mr. Bowen and his views and vision for the future. In a different time I would support him. But right now we need that steady hand, not the firm grip Mr. Bowen offers.

Councilman Priore and I have had disagreements about many things and have differences on which we may forever disagree, but I do respect this man. I don't know if any other councilperson is more prepared each every meeting than he is. Serving on Council takes a tremendous amount of time and the amount of time he dedicates to it still impresses me.

I met Mr. Christiansen several times and respect his point of view. We need him as that voice that continues to echo points that are important to all taxpayers. I trust he will continue to voice his concerns and be a vocal foil to the potential whims of the Council.

That leaves the final open seat on Council, one without an incumbent.

This was a hard choice for me. I really had things boiled down to two candidates, Howard Coates and Matt Willhite.

I think they are really close on their positions. Both are good choices. So which one?

As I mentioned earlier, I was torn. Then something happened on Saturday that made me choose. I was out washing the car when someone walked up to me and actually asked for my vote and gave me the reasons why I should vote for his candidate.

It didn't hurt I knew the guy that walked up to me, but I also respected the fact they came out and asked for my vote.

Now I don't think I have missed more than one or two elections in the past 15 years. I do go out and vote. You would think these candidates would look at that and come and ask me for their vote, as well as each and every one of my neighbors. It is not an ego thing.

Its a "I'm going to connect with the voters" thing. One of the biggest complaints has always been that the candidates never gets "into the trenches" and see voters one-on-one. And ask for their vote. Wow, what a concept. There is no big money there though. Just us lone voters.

That is what put him over the top. Matt, you have my vote since you asked. This is going to be the first step, I feel, to moving up to a county seat and even to the state legislature.

Good luck and God speed to all of you.

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Tomorrow is election day and we need to all go out and vote.

Besides the Presidential Primaries, the big issue on the ballot is for Amendment 1.

This amendment has caused much discussion and has, maybe, a 50/50 chance of passing. I'm no expert on this, but I have done some research and my position is to vote YES on this amendment.

Here's why: its a start.

Read this article for background on this issue.

But, regardless of how you vote ... go out tomorrow and vote. It's a right few of us exercise enough and it will be the first step in getting our voices heard.

Take your child(ren) as well. Teach them a great civics lesson.

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If you missed it, you missed an enjoyable evening, overall. Although I volunteer for the Cultural Trust, I'm not just going to give them a pass on everything ... so here's my take.

Overall, a "B/B+" I think.

If you just looked at the performance, I say a "B". Christian Hoff was good, not great. The show was a little long in my opinion, but the music was good. Mr. Hoff performed a wide variety of tunes, some I enjoyed a great deal, some not so much. Musically, he really showed his range.

Some of his stories were good, but tended to drag on and I think this was what dragged the show down some. A little peppier on the monologues and this show would have been a solid "A" for sure. I suspect the size of the audience threw him just a little bit.

I give the Cultural Trust an "A". Biased you say ... but take a look at what has happened.

Two years ago there few events and they were held all over the community.

Last year the Jazz Festival was truly the only event held on the Trust's "home turf".

This year that has all changed. All the events will be held on the Trust's site. Yes, right now it is just a tent ... but a big tent ... 8,200 square feet. Yes, it could get warm inside. In fact, some patrons were uncomfortable inside the tent on Saturday. I am sure the Trust will get this corrected.

So let me ask a simple question ... When was the last time you could go and see a Cabaret (night club) show in Palm Beach County?

With a Tony Award winner, no less.

Who took a night off his hit Broadway show to be here.

The answer ... Not in the Kravis Center and its beautiful building(s).

But in Wellington and in a tent.

Just for that, the Cultural Trust deserves an A. The fact the show was sold out gets them an A+.

The Cabaret Series continues with great performers such as Christine Ebersole (another Tony Award winner), Jason Graae and Jon Tartaglia (who will perform one show for children and another for adults).

With a community literature event, a comedy series, Second City, the Jazz Festival and the Biennale yet to come, this will be an exciting season.

Enough on programming, let's take a look at the venue.

Yes, the event was held in a tent.

For some it may have been warm inside and some additional ventilation would have been appreciated. I certainly didn't expect 80 degree weather in January and I'm sure neither did the Cultural Trust. Overall it really didn't get that warm inside, in my opinion. And I'm a big guy and know when it gets warm somewhere.

The caterers were pretty good and looked professional. The prices weren't so bad you wanted to run away ... about the same as any other performance or sports event. The food was pretty tasty.

There is one thing that when the weather is good everyone complains about, but when it’s raining they really appreciate ... valet parking. This was a great touch and I don't think anyone waited much more than 15 minutes at the end of the show for their car. Pretty well run if you ask me. And if the weather turns wet, valet parking has a covered area to protect the patrons from the elements.

The bottom line is this ... the Cultural Trust's third season will be held on its own site. A clear tribute to them and the Village of Wellington staff and council for making sure this can happen. We should be applauding all of them. A standing ovation, in fact.

This weekend a musical is on tap. It's called "The Musical of Musicals, the Musical". And it's coming directly from the York Theater in New York. It will be a rousing good time. Get your tickets now ... this will probably be sold out as well.

I'll see you there!

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Someting happened the day before Thanksgiving and I wasn't really sure how to comment on it. On the surface it really didn't appear to be that big of a thing. After a week I have come to believe it is a bigger thing than I could have imagined.

The service at St. Rita the day before Thanksgiving has a special and significant result. Beverly Perham receives thousands of gifts for children in the Pahokee and South Bay areas.

For the month preceding Thanksgiving, parish members take little slips of paper home with them. Each slip has a small request ... to buy socks and underwear for a cetain aged child. The slip just contains a size. No name. No address. No picture. Just a size and sex.

In that thirty days culminating the day before Thanksgiving, Beverly picks up gifts. All told, more than 6,000. And at Christmas she distributes them to each of the children. Wow!

In Wellington we live a lifestyle that runs from middle class to the wealthy. Too often it may be easy to ignore what others do not have when we rush around to take care of our families.

But think of it ... these children are overjoyed (by all reports) when they receive this gifts. Think about it. Not a Wii, or iPod, or the latest Nike shoes.

Just socks and underwear.

To see all these gifts stacked up in the Sancturay brings a tear to the eye of even the most ingrained Scrooge among us. It did to me, but then again, I'm not a Scrooge.

Let's reflect on this season of giving and joy and remember those less fortunate than are we. Make a donation to your favorite cause. Volunteer your time at one of the homeless centers in the area. Take your children and teach them a lesson we so often forget.

Maybe Helen Keller said it best: “Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged.”

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Well, Thanksgiving is next week.

A week from today is "Black Friday." One place you won't catch me is the mall.

But on to the tents. You know, the ones that sprout up in what seems to be every vacant lot in the Village. They have them at the orange and blue home improvement stores, too.

By Thanksgiving they will be filled with all sorts of unadorned Christmas trees, just waiting for your personal touch. When you are done with all the sparkly and twinkling decorations, don't you just enjoy see the anticipation and happiness in everyone's eyes? I know I do.

As I mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, this is my favorite time of year. Having grown up in the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, it gives me pause to look back at my childhood memories.

This time of year was special to me as it was to almost every kid. My brothers and I loved getting that tree up. But parents will probably tell you we got bored with it after about five minutes. Funny, I don't seem to recall that, but I do remember having to put those skinny little icicles on one-at-a-time. I can remember one time we even went out and cut down our own Christmas tree!

Now we have the tents.

I try and get a live tree each Christmas. You just can not replicate the scent of a live Christmas tree. A little messy at the end, but worth every moment in the house.

The tent guys have all sorts of trees, I suppose. My favorite has always been the blue spruce. Hard to get here as Fraser firs seem to be the most popular.

If you are partial to the Fraser, bypass those big tents and head over to St. Peter's on Forest Hill Boulevard. A month ago it was pumpkins, this month it is Christmas Trees. Sold by those ever industrious Boy Scouts.

It is one of their big fundraising events for the year and well worth the time to stop on by. The selection will be good and the service is, well, excellent. What do you expect from the Boy Scouts.

One more thing. My accountant reminded me to remind you to make sure you get a receipt. A bonus from buying from the Boy Scouts is that it may be tax deductible!

Try and get that from one of those tent places!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

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Sunday is Veterans Day. The Village is holding its annual ceremony at 9:00am and I encourage everyone to attend. This ceremony, along with Memorial Day, are the two that I am the most proud the Village of Wellington holds.

As a veteran and member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, this project was one I was especially passionate about. With the help of many people, to name just a few, Mayor Tom Wenham, Randy Phillips, Al Coe and former engineer Gary Clough, this park and its twice yearly celebrations became a reality.

Veterans Day is important to all of us. And we should celebrate the sacrifices that our veterans and their families have made in support of our way of life.

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson summed up why we need this day commemorating our veterans:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

Come and join the Village and enjoy the memories of all those who have served.

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Well, just who is the Cultural Trust ? And what the heck are they doing for us?

Check out their website (link above). It's a great opportunity to find out about the next big thing is in the Western Communities.

Since I moved here in 1988, growth and change have been a constant. Look what we have now that did not exist just a few short years ago (just to name a few):

- Six lane roads that cut our commute to downtown in half
- A regional mall so we didn't have to drive to the Gardens or Boca
- Gourmet supermarkets and upgrades to our old stand-by's
- Restaurants that serve to meet everyone's needs
- Major retailers opening super centers
- Big box wholesale clubs
- More schools
- A multiplex movie theater
- More and better parks

But if you wanted to go to a play, see a Broadway performer, laugh with a comedian or enjoy music at a festival, you had to go somewhere else. Usually downtown West Palm Beach.

No more. The Cultural Trust is bringing all things to us here in the western communities. And the line-up is outstanding and there is truly something for everyone.

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Well, Halloween has come and gone and now we are staring into the holiday season. Where did this year go?

Thanksgiving is just three weeks from today. Just three weeks!

Christmas is less than eight weeks away.

It seems with each new holiday season the Village of Wellington has to cope with its "Holiday Display."

Oops! Did I just step in the annual brouhaha that is the "Holiday Display" in Wellington? Yes I did. On purpose too. You're probably thinking, "Dude, are you crazy?" When I first started this entry, I thought I was too. But let me explain.

Two things sent me down this path. First, my daughter asked me if we had to do the whole "Santa Claus" thing again this year. More on this later. Second, someone sent me an email that is credited to Ben Stein. You know, he's the guy from TV ("Win Ben Stein's Money"), was one of Richard Nixon's speechwriters, is the author of several books and a staunch supporter of the GOP (although he did give $2,000 to Al Franken's senate campaign, according to the AP).

Let's take a look at Ben Stein's comments in the context of this annual wringing of hands in the sleepy Village of Wellington. And let's hope we don''t make it back on Bill O'Reilly's show.

Here is the text of Ben's commentary.

Perhaps we, as a community, should embrace his thoughts. He doesn't feel threatened or discriminated against because a Christmas tree is displayed. Neither does he feel threatened by the display of a creche or a menorah. Maybe we shouldn't either.

He sums it up best by saying, "It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year." And this time of year gives us the opportunity, as a community, to treat each other as brothers and sisters. Let's hope the Village sees it the same way and continues with the "Holiday Display".

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I know you've driven by St. Peter's and said to yourself, "I really need to get a pumpkin this year." All those great orange hued pumpkins just laying all over the place. You know, down deep, there is one in there with your name written all over it.

Then the cell phone rings. Or something else pops up. And you forget.

Take a moment and let me share with you why I think it is important to stop and buy that pumpkin. Today. I am.

Halloween marks the beginning of my favorite part of the year. Halloween until the first Monday in January. When you think about it, this time of year just shouts family.

Trick-or-treaters constantly ringing the doorbell. The family gathered around the Thanksgiving table. Working so hard wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve to see it all undone in about 60 seconds on Christmas Day (I really think the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds" should have been about this).

Then the celebrations begin on New Year's Eve and celebrating the beginning of the New Year with a traditional dinner. And finally, the kids go back to school! Oh yeah, my birthday is somewhere in there as well.

But I digress, back to the Pumpkin Patch.

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