Happy Thanksgiving - 2017

Alexandra, Katherine, Meredith and I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Like millions of others across this great country, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, honoring a tradition older than the nation itself. The Continental Congress proclaimed that the "inhabitants of these states" observe a day of Thanksgiving back in 1782.  Ever since then we set this day aside to give thanks for all our blessings, and this year we have many things for which to be thankful.

Please also take the time to remember and help the less fortunate.  Many families and children are doing with less.  Take the time to become involved in a local charity, with time, if not a donation. There are many ongoing charities that are looking for donations and volunteers - and their needs are 365, not merely at holiday time. Giving should be a yearlong concern, and not just a last-minute photo op.

I am thankful this year for the groups and individuals who put forth so much positive (one of the many "Palmetto Bay 'Ps'") energy - all of whom I will attempt to personally acknowledge in the next few weeks as Hurricane Heroes!  From single donors/heroes to large faith based organizations such as Christ Fellowship who have worked so hard both during post Hurricane Irma relief. Thank you to St. Richards/Holy Rosary for working with/hosting the Lennar Ice distribution. I will be posting my thanks for these groups/individuals over the next few weeks as my way of publicly saying "Thank you!" for your service.

This Thanksgiving is also special as thanks in large part to groups (again such as Christ Fellowship - who made 20 holiday baskets available - the Miami-Dade League of Cities, along with private donations) who partnered with me/the Village to assist those this Thanksgiving.   Thank you all.  And in honor and in the spirit of giving - we have kept those recipients anonymous.

There is much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Alexandra, Katherine, Meredith and I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.  We will be thinking of those deployed overseas in defense of our Country, apart from their family during this holiday time. Take some time and say thanks to both those who serve our armed forces as well as their support system, their families who remain at home and continue to care for the family while our men and women continue to serve us in these challenging times.

Thanksgiving is the busiest traveling season of the year.  Please be aware and be safe.

One of my personal favorite quotes about a holiday:

On Thanksgiving Day all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime.
– (author unknown)