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This year is finally coming to an end! Although there has been some good, many have experienced the not so good. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many families and laid bare the inequalities and challenges we face. On top of that, we have seen many disruptions to what we all once considered “normal.” Many of us have suffered, many have and are mourning the loss of loved ones (some multiple loved ones) and many are frustrated. I don’t think any of us are sad to see 2021 go!
Because of this, I know this holiday season will be tough for many in our community and many family traditions have suffered as we try to celebrate the best ways we can. Despite these challenges, I am confident that we can come together as a community and still find ways to support one another and embrace the true spirit of this season. Our lives may have changed much in the past twelve months, but we have grown as a community through the difficulties and challenges that have confronted us. With unified thoughts, we now have the opportunity to focus on future goals.
When I think of West Park I think of kindness. I have seen kindness and hope in our community. I see the community coming together and for that I’m grateful. I see it in the simple and humble acts of masking, recognizing the impact we have on each other and the importance of protecting those whose community we share. I see it in residents asking how they can help, because they feel blessed and know others need support to weather these challenging times. I see the miracles of this season on display as we support families less fortunate and also when we stand against displays and actions of disunity or discord.
With this in mind, we will provide several programs to assist residents:
Minor Home Repair Program: The City’s Minor Home Repair Program has been established to assist eligible “low income” residents in obtaining needed health, safety and welfare related home repairs. The program is designed to provide repair assistance with home electrical systems, plumbing systems, ac systems, roofing systems, etc. Funding is available to West Park residents only on a limited, first-come, first-serve basis. The maximum program award amount is up to $3,000. A copy of the Minor Home Repair Program’s grant application is located at www.cityofwestpark.org. For more information, please contact (954) 989-2688, Extension 224.
Small Business Grant Program: The City’s Small Business Grant Program commonly known as “Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program” was established to provide financial and technical assistance to qualified small businesses in the City of West Park. The program provides funds on a reimbursement basis for business related expenses including the purchase of equipment, supplies, marketing services, etc. A copy of the Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program application is located at www.cityofwestpark.org. For more information, please contact (954) 989-2688, Extension 224.
Broward Ups Initiative – In partnership with Broward College: The goal of this initiative is to increase college access; improve degree and certificate attainment and holistically raise social and economic mobility. As part of this initiative, Broward College will be facilitating workshops, courses and programs. This certificate training will be aligned for participants to be able to seek employment opportunities as well as enhance their current employment. Course offerings span multiple career pathways and impart valuable skills that can be applied to numerous work settings. Certifications can be earned online and/or at McTyre Park. For more information, please contact (954) 989-2688, Extension 222.
Monthly Fresh Food Distributions: In partnership with Feeding South Florida, we will continue to provide monthly fresh food to residents. Please remember to get in line early. Food is distributed on a first come, first served basis at McTyre Park. A copy of all dates is located at www.cityofwestpark.org
Childcare Assistance Program: This Grant Program was established to assist eligible “low income” families in obtaining childcare services. The program is designed to assist families in obtaining childcare services from licensed and locally operating childcare service providers. Funding is available to West Park residents on a limited, first-come, first-serve basis and typically funds between four to six weeks of childcare services. For more information, please contact (954) 989-2688, Extension 224.
Tree Trimming Grant Assistance Program: The City’s Tree Trimming Program was established to assist eligible “low income” residents in providing tree trimming services to address potentially hazardous trees that may be encroaching onto existing power lines. Funding is available to West Park residents only and on a limited, first-come, first-serve basis. The maximum program award per applicant is up to $250 per tree. The program also provides tree removal assistance for Australian Pines trees. For more information, please contact (954) 989-2688, Extension 224.
Courtesy Zoning Review Program: The City is separated into various commercial, residential and industrial zoning districts. Within each zoning district specific commercial, residential and industrial uses are allowed. The intent of the designated zoning districts ensures compatibility of specific property uses within each district. When applying for a new business license or new construction building permit, the initial step in the process is the zoning use review. The Zoning Use Review process is a free service to the applicant. Once submitted by the applicant, a zoning use review form will be completed by the City’s Planning & Zoning Department. The completed zoning use review will determine whether the requested property use is permitted within the applicable zoning district. For more information, please contact (954) 989-2688, Extension 224.
Little Free Libraries Book Club: Our Little Free Libraries Book Club was created a few years ago and continues to be popular library for our youth searching for a good read. The Little Library stations are located at all three City Parks. Each station is loaded with books from pre-school to high school kids. The Little Library stations are always open. Kids are encouraged to pick up any book they would like to read. If you enjoyed reading a book, tell others you were at the Little Library station and let us know what you read by dropping off a note at either Mary Saunders Park or McTyre Park. For more information, please call 954.889.4162.
Senior Center Program: The City’s Senior Center Program is designed to strengthen the independence of seniors 60 years and older, while improving their physical and mental health. Our senior program operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to approximately 1:00 pm at McTyre Park’s Senior Center. The program provides weekly activities such as field trips, special guest speakers/trainers, and cultural arts & recreational activities. Our structured programming allows participating seniors to take advantage of necessary resources and connections enriching a sustainable lifestyle. This is a free program offered to all our seniors. We encourage residents ages 60 and older to visit our facility for a tour and informational session with staff. For more information, please call 954.889.4162.
Free Paint Program: The City of West Park is an active participant in the “Paint It Broward” program with Broward County. As such, we are able to secure free exterior paint from the County for City residents. The free paint is recycled paint in 5-gallon containers. The free paint is only provided in Terracotta; Light Gray; Off White; Turquoise and Beige colors. The paint is distributed on Fridays by RESERVATION ONLY, between 8:30 am and 12:00 pm. at McTyre Park located at 3501 SW 56 Avenue. For more information, please call 954.964.0284.
I am cognizant that staying positive in the face of adversity is not easy. But it is my hope that these programs mentioned will help bring some “sunshine” to you and your family. For that reason and many others, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support during this past year as your mayor. Your ideas, concerns, fresh perspective, and willingness to work alongside me, the Commission and the city as a whole have greatly contributed to the progress we have made.
I can’t say enough how appreciative I am that we have pulled together as a community to better our financial health and quality of life. We have established a rapport, a closeness that will serve us well as we continue to move forward to accomplish our collective objectives. I am honored to be your mayor, but I and the Commission did not do the work alone. City staff are the heart and soul of our government and I appreciate each of them for showing up to work each and every day and providing exceptional service to the citizens of our great city This year was possible because together we were all willing to believe West Park is a “can-do” city that could move forward. And we did.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, a time to be grateful for all that we have been given over the past year. It is a time to join with family and friends and give thanks for the blessings and freedoms that we enjoy every day. I am thankful for my loving family, friends and so appreciative of the opportunity serve as the mayor of our wonderful city.
The strength of our city comes from you, our residents. So, on this holiday, as we gather to spend time with the people who matter most, let’s take some time to remind our children why we are so thankful for them. Because of them, I feel more certain than ever that — no matter what lies ahead — the City of West Park will always be shaped by those who strive to be kind, giving, and fearless about the future. I’m grateful for that.
I appreciate your friendship, honesty, prayers, recommendations, and support. As we keep our faith, family, and friends close to our hearts, let us always pray for each other and lift up those who need it most during this holiday season. It is important that we remember the less fortunate and are mindful of their struggles. Let us love, share and give in the spirit of compassion and humanity.
As we begin Hanukkah and approach Christmas and Kwanzaa, I want to wish a safe, joyous and happy holiday season to all West Park residents. For those of all faiths as well as those of no particular faith, this season is one of peace, goodwill, and family and community celebrations.
The miracles we celebrate during this holiday season remind us that we can overcome the greatest tests with hope, faith and each other. Hanukkah reminds us that there is a light in the darkness, that we have and will face hard things and remain steadfast; Christmas that long-held promises are realized, and hope- light- is with us in the world, and Kwanzaa that unity is key to our resilience, particularly in the most difficult of times.
One of the joys of living in West Park is the broad diversity of faiths, cultures, ethnic backgrounds and ideological perspectives our residents embody while still sharing core beliefs in democracy, self-determination, civic responsibility and community service. I pray that we will live up to our highest ideals as a city in this season of celebration and charity as well as in the coming year.
There is an important lesson for all of us to learn during this festive season. This season marks a moment to pause, to reflect and believe in the possibilities of rebirth and renewal, which remains a powerful symbol of hope for a better future. A time to take a moment as we face the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.
I look forward to working with the Commission and staff in a manner that is amicable, forward thought and transparent. I know that, together, we will lead the city to new opportunities and success. I hope that in the months to come, we shall be able to forge pride within our City, a sense of sharing a common heritage enriched by the cultural diversity of our community.
Finally, the holidays ground us. They remind us of who we are, of the importance of our family and community and the shared values that guide us.
While December brings us to the end of the year, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s history. So let‘s go boldly into the New Year ready to fearlessly face our challenges, embrace our opportunities and build on our progress as #OneWestPark. Working together, I know we will make it happen in 2022.
To each of you, I wish the happiest of holidays. And, as we celebrate, may the teachings, our celebrations and the hope and light of this season carry us forward, resolved to come together for each other and a happy and healthy new year.
We are and will continue to be #ONEWESTPARK!
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 329-8990 or email fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
