DRWMAG.COM 26 #357 • JANUARY 2019 • 30TH ANNIVERSARY Congratulations to DRW Magazine on its 30th an- niversary. I can remember the early days of The Western Express when it was a black print newspaper run by Diane Epstein and her husband out of an office in the 6000 block of Griffin Rd. I remember riding my horse there to drop off a letter to the editor begging theTown of Davie to reconsider its plans to tear down the rodeo arena. After that, hundreds of Davie horse and rodeo people amassed on horseback on the front lawn of Town Hall the night the council was to consider the item. That was probably what launched me into the political scene in Davie. I had to make sure my horse and all the horses in Davie had a vote. I watched the paper morph into many different stages of growth until today, when it is considered one of the best in South Florida. Con- gratulations Jared! From Diane to your mom, Suzanne, and now to you the legacy continues!Your presence at every event in three mu- nicipalities, your commitment to the Chamber of Commerce and the JCC shows your community spirit and it is that spirit that trans- late into you sensational magazine that bears your personal touch on every page. The Miss Orange Blossom Pageant will be held on Sat- urday, January 26th at the Pine Island Multi-Purpose Center from 1-5 p.m. Categories start at age 2, and this year we have added a Mrs. Orange Blossom category. If you are interested in getting an application, which must be returned prior to the 26th, or for more information, please contact the event’s coordinators: Lisa Alvarez, 954.309.3428; Simone, 954.797.1076; or Anna, 954.797.1153 at our Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts office. Based on popular demand, it looks like next year we may also add an Orange Blossom King. Let me know what you think! I am happy to report that a sand volleyball court will be coming soon to Bergeron Park. Spearheaded by a student, the idea made its way from an idea presented at a council meeting, to the review and unanimous vote of the Parks and Open Space Advi- sory Committee, and finally to a unanimous approval by the Town Council at the December 5th meeting. We do listen and are happy to include recommendations from the public. Keep up the good work. Congratulations Kaylee! I attended two events in December and always enjoy support- ing our community. On Dec. 2nd I attended the FloridaYouth Or- chestra’s Musical Cheers concert at Bailey Hall on the Broward College Campus.What a fantastic group of young men and women ranging from ages 8-18.The talent and festive program was a great way to start the holiday season. On Dec. 7th, The Davie Com- munity Worship Center presented their 18th anniversary cel- ebration. Led by Bishop Fedlyn Beason, the evening centered on the vision for the future of the church.An overwhelming crowd enjoyed music, dance, and the inspiring words of the guest speaker, Ledger Kellier, who reminding me of our first meeting in 1997 at PoFolks in Davie. Now that was a blast from the past! In speaking of his suc- cess he suggested that everyone pay off their mortgages as quickly as possible, reminding us that the route of the word is “mort” and that a mortgage will be with us until death. I never thought of that and surely see the wisdom in his words. Mayor’s breakfast meetings for January are as follows: Jan. 9th at Alley’s Comfort Café in Shenandoah Square (136 Ave and SR 84); Jan. 21st at Flashback Diner on Davie Rd.; and Jan. 28th at Max & Mo’s at Stirling and Pine Island. Stop by and say hello from 9-10. Please join us for our commemoration of Dr. Martin Lu- ther King Jr. on the grounds ofTown Hall on Sunday, Jan. 20th.A new location and a powerful program awaits us. I am looking forward to our Orange Blossom Festival in February which includes three days of events and excitement. Save Feb. 22nd, 23rd and 24th on your calendar. Friday is a golf tourna- ment at 1 p.m. and a concert in the evening. Saturday will be the Kiwanis pancake breakfast, parade, fair, and rodeo highlighted by the all weekend, Davie Woman’s Club famous Strawberry Festival.We will be kicking off the Orange Blossom celebration with our Orange Blossom Pageant at Pine Island Multi-Purpose Center on Sat., Jan. 26th. I was also proud to unveil the new logo for Davie’s First Interna- tional Jazz Festival which will be coming to the town on Sunday, April 28th, 2019. It was wonderful that the December Davie-Coo- per City Chamber of Commerce meeting afforded me the oppor- tunity to talk about the Jazz Festival. Save that date because we will knock your socks off with entertainment, an art show, and special performances by top local performers and a national headliner. If you love jazz, this is a must! If you are a newcomer to jazz it will surely make you a believer! I will detail the entire evolution of the event in a future article. My NewYear’s wish to everyone is that you have good health and that love and good fortune is shared by all. The Davie Jazz Fest debuts, events around town & more MAYOR JUDY PAUL