Congressman Donalds Comes to Town

Did you see that date above? It says we’re three months and one week away from Christmas! I’d better start paying attention to what we are planning to do this year! That time of year, especially down here in the gorgeous part of Florida, is ever so popular for families to come visit the grandkids or the grandparents! I know it’s early, but before you turn around, it will be around the corner. People usually want to come down here to visit (and I don’t blame them for being so smart), but we have to plan. Just sayin’!

• Last week, one of the clubs I belong to had a great speaker! I’m sure most of you know him - Byron Donalds! Actually, Congressman Byron Donalds! I’ll never forget the first time I met him years ago and had never heard of him or heard him speak, but when we left that event, I knew I would hear a lot more about him! He was born to speak. This event met at Stix Lounge, located on U. S. 41E near the corner of the Lakewood Community. It was formerly known as Bill’s, and then Fish 41, and now it is Stix Sushi and Seafood at 4221 Tamiami Trail E. (By the way, it seems that Stix is the place to hold events like this, and they will even serve hors d’oeuvres at the end of the event if the party chooses to order them). Music was also offered, as well as Vincent, the photographer who works at many great events like this. Congressman Donalds touched on so many subjects, never had notes, and spoke from his heart. He kept the audience’s interest and delivered a marvelous speech that ended on a truly high note! I don’t know how he did it, but it was perfect! Congressman Donalds represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District, which encompasses portions of Collier and Lee Country. He has served as a Representative in the Florida House, where he was a champion for education reform, school choice, and criminal justice reform. The Congressman now serves in the 118th Congress as a member of the House Committee and Accountability and House Financial Services Committee. 

• What a pleasant week it has been with three of my kids in town and eating together and celebrating my granddaughter Samantha’s birthday! 

• New Subject | This is a question about television programs? A very kind person came up to me and said, “I know you are not happy with what has happened to our programs for family viewing on the Hallmark Channel,” but a new channel has been introduced with all the same types of family viewing that we enjoyed at the beginning of the Hallmark programs. So many of us have been SO disappointed with what has happened to the Hallmark Channel. We discuss the loss at different events and lament how sad we feel about what is replacing those programs. She told me how to find it, but I didn’t have a pen and paper, and went on to an event, and completely forgot how to find that television program, so if she is out there and reading this column, please contact me at the Coastal Breeze News office or website. I’d love to hear from you. I’m so tired of all this junk on TV. I really would appreciate hearing from you!