Florida’s CFO is making the rounds in South Florida this week and was in West Palm Beach last evening; and among several stops, took center stage at the Lantana Branch Library and spoke to the leaders of the South Florida 912, as well as a ‘Who’s Who’ of the leadership of the Grassroots organizations in the region.

The meeting opened as do all of the SF 912 meetings with brief opening remarks, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Co-Founder Shannon Armstrong discussed the new meeting schedule and format for the year, and put out a plea for new leaders to rise up to help with the tasks ahead.  

Shannon also updated the gathering on the success of the recent Christmas Toy Drive and shared some of the stories encountered at several of the hospitals that were visited.  

Before introducing Jeff Atwater, Dennis Lipp discussed an ‘Adopt a Road’ program and an upcoming Habitat for Humanity event, and asked for volunteers; of which many raised their hands.

CFO Atwater was as always very gracious and humble, and recalling a time not so long ago when neighbors helped each other, he was very pleased to hear of the community involvement of the group.  He very much understands that while the 912 and combined grassroots movement are certainly doing everything possible to hold elected officials to their word, they are also acting within their separate communities to make a positive impact.  Also noteworthy about his talk was that as always, he never used any kind of notes or cues of any kind, and clearly came across as a man that knows his game and information very well.  Even during the Q and A session at the end, he was steady on his feet and knew exactly what he was talking about.   

The Holidays are here.  We took a walk around City Place in West Palm Beach tonight, looked at the lights on the Christmas Tree on the south side of the Himmel Theatre, grabbed a bite at Brewzzi’s, watched the snow fall a couple of times…that sort of thing.

Wait a minute!  I just mentioned West Palm Beach and snow fall in the same sentence; how is that possible?  Well, it just is, and it does…every night at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 on the hour, it snows in the court yard for about 10 minutes adding just a nice bit of magic to the Holiday Season.  Adults and children alike come down to sit and wait for the next ‘storm’ to start.

After my dinner, I met and spoke with several families.  Christopher had some business to attend to, so he and bride Shana came down for the day and brought their little guy Connor to view the lights, take in the evening scenery, and cruise around ‘The Island’ tomorrow.  

Next I spoke with Robin and George, who along with her visiting children Joe and Amanda, and Amanda’s boyfriend Brian, were also just strolling along, window shopping, and just having a blast.  Right about the time I met up with them, the ‘snow’ was accompanied by some real rain, and just for a moment I was transported back to my days up in Boston around Quincy Market.  All we needed to complete that moment was a chilling breeze.

And before heading away, I couldn’t help but notice two adorable three year old twins named Kylie and Kamryn who, along with their older sister Kendra had been nice enough to bring mom and dad, (Aimee and Walter) down to watch the festivities and lights as well.

City Place is always very inviting.  At this time of year, it is a wonderful place to visit, stroll around, and maybe have a bite at any of the dozens of eateries, or just do some old fashioned people watching with friends.  Besides, there’s nothing like a good blizzard in the middle of West Palm Beach.   

Wreaths Across America is a growing annual event that honors our fallen troops in a very special way during the Holidays at National Cemeteries across the nation.  

On Saturday, there was such an event held at the South Florida National Cemetery, (SFNC) and at least 1500 onlookers attended.  Mothers, dads, daughters, sons, young and old from every walk of life; Patriots every one of them, came to honor our fallen men and women in an expression of great love and respect.  

For those that may not know about Wreaths Across America, (from their website): 

“Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992.”

“Our mission, Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies a specified Saturday in December at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.”  

And that is exactly what today’s event was all about.  Perfect weather greeted the onlookers, and one could not help but notice the three Walmart Trailers, (donated, drivers and all by Walmart) that had delivered the 8000 wreaths for the event at this location.  All of the wreaths are paid for by private and business donations and entirely without government assistance.  

Stuart, FL.  Allen West showed all of his normal class and finesse tonight.  About 400 of his supporters, and a few suspected detractors that I spoke with, turned out to take part in a BBQ that the Congressman put on to show his very real appreciation for all of the hard work during the recent campaign.  

After greeting and chatting with many of the well-wishers present, the Congressman asked if anyone had said a blessing over the meal and event.  Hearing that they hadn’t, and in keeping with the kind of man he is, he led all those within earshot in a prayer over the occasion and included a blessing for our nation and our troops.

After the blessing, as he always does, he brought up an important historical event which started sixty-two years ago tomorrow; it surprised the US Corps and lasted almost three weeks.  The event was the Battle of Chosin Reservoir near the beginning of the Korean War which occurred from November 27, through December 13, 1950.  Please click the link for the story from Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chosin_Reservoir

The Congressman’s point was that we prevailed, because Americans always prevail, and we will now.  He continued on with a very brief and pointed talk, which is his trademark, and encouraged us to not give up; that this “is not the time to cry over our BBQ.”    

After that excellent bit of motivation, the Congressman took the rest of the time to meet and greet any and all that wanted a photo or just a moment to chat.  At the very end of the evening, he called all of his staff together to thank them and take a few photos.

As far as what his own next step is; he didn’t say.  However I believe one can safely imagine that he will do what any other trained military officer and leader of faith would do, and that is consider and weigh all the options, think things through completely, seek the advice and counsel of those closest to him, and most importantly for him, I believe he will be spending a lot of time in prayer for guidance.