I recently attended the the Belle Glade, Pahokee Annual Christmas mixer at the Bank of Belle Glade. It was very festive with lots of food, great trimmings and good folks. There were bank presidents, business owners, farmers, high school principals and retirees among the crowd. The thing I was most struck by was our local talent. Zarak Lawson played Christmas music for us with his downhome comtemporary style. Some local women immediately jumped on the microphone and chimed in with song. Zarak is a local musician who graduated UF (Go Gators!) and has come back to make Belle Glade his home.
I met a local anesthesiologist named Glen who told me how lucky we are to have Dr. Karis as our local surgeon because he is top notch and extrememly well educated. I had to agree as he has operated on nearly everyone in my family!
When it was time for door prizes, I was lucky enough to win a book written by our very own Ann Rust who signed the copy for me. Although already considered a local hero, someday, I believe she will be a real celebrity. I really enjoyed myself meeting new people and reconnecting with some I hadn't seen for awhile.
We have a lot of talent in the Glades. Sometimes we get a bad rap from the press but if you come out and visit for a day or so you will meet some of the finest folks in the land.
