Thank You, Deerfield Beach!

Dear Editor:

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all who came out and attended our recent events – the Holiday Cocktail Fundraiser (Wine & Cheese event) and Breakfast with Santa.

The backyard [at the Butler House] was filled with Santa, happy children, great food and holiday music. The music was provided by St Gregory’s Youth Band, one-man-band Jim Higgins, and poetess extraordinaire Precious Baker.

Thank you to you all, Pat McGonigal, and Santa from BSO Fire Rescue, as well as Publix, Chick-Fil-A, Kiwanis of Deerfield Beach and Frank Congemi for helping us with the basics. This was truly a community event helping to bring us all together in the loving spirit of the season.

Deerfield Beach Historical Society

My first Deerfield commission mtg.

Dear Editor:

My neighbor has asked me for years to attend a city meeting. Many in our small neighborhood regularly do. Finally, on Dec. 3, I gave in and attended. I was not impressed at all.

I was at first glad to see that a member of the city was retiring and they put together a beautiful video and a heartfelt send-off.

However, after that, it went downhill.

As I watched a Deerfield Beach citizen speaking and questioning the District 1 commissioner, it was sad to see the commissioner boo-hissing in a manner and giving a big thumbs down for all to see while giggling at this man.

Whether his point was valid or not, he deserved some respect and not to be made a fool.

The mayor herself was chewing gum while trying to speak (etiquette dictates to spit that out) and might I add was beyond rude when an elderly lady, apparently with a disability, came to the podium to speak, dropped some things, and did her best to organize all while the mayor rolled her eyes, and said for the lady to hurry it up.

I felt bad, but I did [not] yell out ‘how rude.’

I did, however, learn that if the city doesn’t want to hear what you are saying you are mocked and/or laughed at. It reminded me of a kangaroo court. Don’t misunderstand. I applauded the city manager and commissioners, but was truly saddened to see the mayor and vice mayor in such bad taste. I was thrilled to see it videotaped, as it can be watched over and over again.

But all in all, it was wonderful to be there. Now, I know what our city is like. I will become more involved and do my best, along with many others, to change it.

If you have not been to a meeting, please go, even if it is only once.

See who is acting on your behalf. Because remember … maybe one voice can’t change things, but many of us can. Don’t be the one to sit back and hope others fix what is broken. LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER!

Dana Wade

Deerfield Beach