Wednesday Briefing: Dia de los Muertos, Auditorium’s Holiday Extravaganza, Philip Levine, Elephant Warriors

John McCain just destroyed Donald Trump https://t.co/0UuRv6Ss62

— The Independent (@Independent) October 31, 2017

WaPo: Historians respond to John F. Kelly’s Civil War remarks: ‘Strange,’ ‘sad,’ ‘wrong’https://t.co/Ig2kUhitrV

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) October 31, 2017

Humans are psychologically hardwired to see ghosts https://t.co/cVPYF3RF7Q

— Quartz (@qz) October 31, 2017

Public officials shouldn't take gifts from lobbyists
Or have sex w/ them
These rules keep tripping up people in Fla.https://t.co/KN26vSytUm

— Scott Maxwell (@Scott_Maxwell) October 31, 2017

Meet the Samburu warriors protecting elephants in Kenya https://t.co/q7sETeIICx

— National Geographic (@NatGeo) October 31, 2017

Editor’s Tweets by @PierreTristam

A Twitter List by PierreTristam

To • include your event in this section, please email the details, including date, time, a brief description of the event, contact information, and, if you wish, an image, to [email protected].

♦ Nov. 1: The Bio-d-GREAT-able Ribbon Cutting ceremony at Old Kings Elementary’s cafeteria is at 10:30 a.m. Students with i3 New Tech Academy began working with Old Kings students a couple of years ago to reduce styrofoam use though such things as alternate lunch tray products, which are now in use at the school. Hosted by Old Kings Elementary School & Flagler County Schools Food Services. 301 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach.
♦ Nov. 2: In Court: L’Darius Smith, 21, of Palm Coast, is on trial on charges he molested two girls, 8 and 9, five years ago, when he was dating the alleged victims’ mother and had recently moved in with her. Smith, a former football player at Flagler Palm Coast High School, is accused of holding a gun and threatening to harm one of the children’s mother if the child did not masturbate him. The alleged victims were 8 and 9 at the time of the encounters, 12 and 13 at the time they were interviewed by the Child Protection Team. The trial started with jury selection Monday before Circuit Judge Dennis Craig, with opening arguments today at 1 p.m. Smith is represented by attorney Peyton Quarles.
♦ Nov. 2: The Florida Department of Transportation holds a public hearing to introduce a multi-million dollar repair project of State Road A1A in Flagler Beach to the public. The department begins construction of road and sea walls on a stretch of A1A from South 22nd to South 9th Street in the summer of 2018 (the sea walls would be buried under dunes). The hearing starts with an open house at 5:30 p.m. and a formal presentation at 6 p.m. at the Flagler Beach Methodist Church, 1520 South Daytona Avenue, Flagler Beach. Questions or more information, contact Project Manager Ty Garner at [email protected] or call him at 386/943-5299.
♦ Nov. 2: Nancy Soderberg, a Democratic candidate for the 6th Congressional District, which includes all of Flagler County, speaks to the Palm Coast Democratic Club at the African American Cultural Society Center at 7 p.m. 4422 N. US HWY 1, Palm Coast.
♦ Nov. 2-4: Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Thespian Troupe 5023 presents An Evening of One Acts, staging two plays, “Check, Please!” by Jonathan Rand and “Cut!” by Ed Monk, directed by Kelly Rivera. Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. $10 for adults, $6 for students, at the Flagler Auditorium on FPC’s campus.
♦ Nov. 2-5: “Plaza Suite,” the Neil Simon comedy, at the Flagler Playhouse for the second of three weekends. Three couples successively occupy Suite 719 at the Plaza Hotel, New York City. A wry tale of a marriage in tatters, followed by the exploits of a Hollywood producer looking for sexual diversion, and finally, a couple fighting to persuade their nervous daughter to leave the safety of the bathroom and go to the hotel’s ballroom to get married. This funny yet thought provoking show has become a classic. To book tickets, go online (flaglerplayhouse.org) or call the Box Office (386-586-0773) while tickets are still available. Nov. 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 5 at 2 p.m., Nov. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. The playhouse is at 301 E Moody Blvd, Bunnell.
♦ Nov. 2: Town hall meeting featuring Flagler County School Board member Andy Dance, Superintendent James Tager and County Commissioner Nate McLaughlin, who will be joined by the Sheriff’s Office’s Sgt. Lutz, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hidden Trails Community Center, 6108 Mahogany Blvd., Bunnell.
♦ Nov. 2: The newly-formed Palm Coast Model Yacht Club meets at Palm Coast’s Central Park pond in Town Center at 2 p.m. to race its sailing boats, which vary in length from 3 to 5 feet. The club meets every Thursday at 2 p,m. at the pond, welcomes new members–there are no dues–or spectators, who can have a go at piloting the sail boats as well. To join or for further inquiries, contact Otto Pope at 248/444-0115, or by email at [email protected].
♦ Nov. 2: Neighborhood Watch Meeting for Palm Coast’s C Section, at 10 a.m., Elks Club, 53 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast.
♦ Nov. 2: Critic’s Choice Dinner Club, 5:30 p.m. This monthly club visits a new restaurant, chosen by the group, to spend time with friends enjoying a casual dinner while rating food and service. New members welcome. This month’s location is D.B. Pickles, 400 South Nova Road in Ormond Beach. Food and transportation are the participant’s responsibility. Pre-register by 5 p.m. Sept. 5: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ Nov. 3: First Friday Art Walk in St. Augustine: From 5 – 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, the Art Galleries of St. Augustine feature new exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 galleries. The event is held rain or shine inside the member galleries and is a free, self-guided walking tour. www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org
♦ Nov. 4: The 10th Annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup has been rescheduled for Nov. 4 – and the cleanup is needed more than ever as we recover from Hurricane Irma and other recent rainstorms. Everyone’s assistance is needed to help clean and protect our community’s treasured waterways and adjacent trails! Citizens who had already registered for the cleanup before it was postponed can simply show up on cleanup day. Those who had previously registered but cannot attend the Nov. 4 makeup date are asked to notify Cleanup Coordinator Denise Bevan at [email protected] or 386-986-2458. Those who had not already registered but would like to volunteer on Nov. 4 can sign up at www.palmcoastgov.com/icwc. Registration is available online until Nov. 2. Volunteers can also sign up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave, and at Frieda Zamba Swimming Pool, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast. Registration is also welcome on event day at Holland Park, but supplies are limited.
♦ Nov. 4: Southern Gothic, an exhibit featuring new work by JJ Graham of Salvo Arthouse, opens at 6 p.m. with a reception at the Berkshire Hathaway Gallery, 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, #145, in Palm Coast. The exhibit is sponsored by Victoria Harper and curated by Paul Beaulieu and Thomas Anastasio.
♦ Nov. 4-5: FreedomFest at the Flagler Executive Airport, featuring military aircraft, fly-bys, military exhibits, a stinger missile simulation, live music featuring tribute bands to Donna Summer and Fleetwood Mac, with fireworks Saturday night. Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Concert chairs welcomed, but coolers and pets are not allowed. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, children under 10 get in for $5, with free re-entry Sunday once you have paid admission on Saturday.
♦ Nov. 4: PBS’s Antiques Roadshow Appraiser Nicholas Dawes to give Appraisal Demonstration at 11 a.m. as part of the Dressing Downton exhibit at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, and is the second part of Dawes’s visit to town. He will be demonstrating his appraisal methods and appraising one small object for special ticket holders. Location: Flagler College, 74 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084. For more information, call (904) 824-2874 or email [email protected] Buy tickets here.
♦ Nov. 9: The newly-formed Palm Coast Model Yacht Club meets at Palm Coast’s Central Park pond in Town Center at 2 p.m. to race its sailing boats, which vary in length from 3 to 5 feet. The club meets every Thursday at 2 p,m. at the pond, welcomes new members–there are no dues–or spectators, who can have a go at piloting the sail boats as well. To join or for further inquiries, contact Otto Pope at 248/444-0115, or by email at [email protected].
♦ Nov. 9: Evenings at Whitney: The Ever Evolving Menace of Mosquitoes: Emerging Pathogens and New Technological Control Strategies. The guest speaker is Paul Linser, professor of anatomy and cell biology, neuroscience, microbiology and cell science, entomology, and biology at Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. Lectures and parking are free and registration or reservations are not necessary. The event is at 7 p.m. at Center for Marine Studies, Lohman Auditorium, 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine, Florida. For further details, call (904) 461-4000.
♦ Nov. 10: John Bolton, who briefly served as U.S. Ambassador during the second Bush administration, is the keynote speaker at the Flagler County Republican Executive Committee Lincoln Day Dinner, at the Hammock Beach Resort, 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast, 6:30 p.m.
♦ Nov. 10: Soul Fire performs at the Columbian Club of Flagler County from 7 to 10 p.m. $10 per person. For reservations call the club at 446-5632. At the Knights of Columbus Hall, 51 N Old Kings Rd, Palm Coast.
♦ Nov. 10: Dine and Dance on the Deck: from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Oceanside Bar and Grill’s upper deck in Flagler Beach, tickets are $40. It’s a fund-raiser for the Flagler Beach Museum. Contact Denise at 386/283-0530 or see the museum’s website.
♦ Nov. 10-12: “Plaza Suite,” the Neil Simon comedy, at the Flagler Playhouse. Three couples successively occupy Suite 719 at the Plaza Hotel, New York City. A wry tale of a marriage in tatters, followed by the exploits of a Hollywood producer looking for sexual diversion, and finally, a couple fighting to persuade their nervous daughter to leave the safety of the bathroom and go to the hotel’s ballroom to get married. This funny yet thought provoking show has become a classic. To book tickets, go online (flaglerplayhouse.org) or call the Box Office (386-586-0773) while tickets are still available. Nov. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. The playhouse is at 301 E Moody Blvd, Bunnell.
♦ Nov. 11: Palm Coast marks Veterans Day in a ceremony at 8 a.m. at Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Pkwy. NW, Palm Coast (1/2 mile west of the Flagler County Library). Speakers include U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, who represents District 6 and is exploring a run for governor; Col. Jack Howell of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 808; Edward Beier of American Legion Post 115; and Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland. Tributes to members of the armed forces will include a presentation of wreaths by local veteran organizations, with World War II veterans 1st Sgt. Michael “Mickey” Owens (U.S. Army) and Corp. Hal Mettee (U.S. Army Air Corps) as special guests participating in this year’s wreath ceremony.
♦ Nov. 11-12: The annual Creekside Festival at Princess Place Preserve, sponsored by the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce (the event is its annual fund-raiser), $7 per carload, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. (Note: the festival was rescheduled from Oct. 7-8).
♦ Nov. 13: Paul Dykes, the man accused of dozens of counts of child-sex crimes, including rape and child-porn production, transmission and possession, goes on trial on some of the charges, including child rape, with jury selections set for today before Circuit Judge Dennis Craig starting at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse. Dykes was arrested in 2015. He is defended by public defender Bill Bookhammer. See the background story.
♦ Nov. 15: The Flagler Youth Orchestra’s five ensembles are all in concert at the Flagler Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for those 18 and older. Younger people pay $1. $1 of each adult ticket goes toward the auditorium’s Arts in Education fund.
♦ Nov. 16: The newly-formed Palm Coast Model Yacht Club meets at Palm Coast’s Central Park pond in Town Center at 2 p.m. to race its sailing boats, which vary in length from 3 to 5 feet. The club meets every Thursday at 2 p,m. at the pond, welcomes new members–there are no dues–or spectators, who can have a go at piloting the sail boats as well. To join or for further inquiries, contact Otto Pope at 248/444-0115, or by email at [email protected].
♦ Nov. 17: A 1 p.m. hearing before Circuit Judge Margaret Hudson is scheduled in the felony case against Kimberle Weeks, the former elections supervisor accused of illegally recording certain conversations. This hearing is to hear arguments from the defense to suppress the search warrant that led to the evidence in the case, likely the last maneuver by either side which, if not granted by the judge, will lead to a trial tentatively set for December. See a background story here.
♦ Nov. 17: AARP Driver Safety Program, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Frieda Zamba Pool Classroom, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast. The nation’s first and largest classroom course for motorists ages 50 and older. This one-day course identifies ways that older drivers can compensate for the physical changes that occur as they age and helps older drivers update their driving knowledge and skills. Fees are $20/session ($15/session for AARP members). To register, contact AARP representative Karen Zimmerman at 386-585-4116.
♦ Nov. 17: Lunch N’ Lecture Series, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave. This month: “The Battle of Britain” with Dr. Leo Murphy The lecture and lunch are free, but pre-registration is required (while space available) at www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ Nov. 21: The Flagler County Historical Society hosts its monthly bus trip, journey and adventure through Flagler County history, with host and historian Bill Ryan. The bus leaves from the Holden House, 204 East Moody Boulevard in Bunnell at 10 a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per person which does not include lunch at The Bull Creek Fish Comp. To make reservations please call 386-439-5003.
♦ Nov. 29: A pre-trial hearing is scheduled in the case of Phillip Haire Jr., who is accused of attempted murder in a shooting incident in the direction of his parents and a sheriff’s sergeant. 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 401 before Circuit Judge Dennis Craig.
♦ Nov. 29: Maria Howell, the 20-year-old Palm Coast woman accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl, is scheduled for a plea and sentencing before Circuit Judge Dennis Craig at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse. Craig on Oct. 31 rejected a plea deal that would have allowed Howell to avoid prison time, telling the defense and prosecution to return with “some” prison time.
♦ Dec. 1: A hearing is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 401 before Circuit Judge Dennis Craig on two new issues relating to the scheduled re-sentencing of convicted double-murderer David Snelgrove, who killed Glyn Fowler, 84, and his wife, Vivian, 79, on Bannbury Lane in Palm Coast in late June 2000. The Supreme Court has ordered Snelgrove-re-sentenced because twice before, non-unanimous juries recommended that he be killed. That was deemed unconstitutional. Juries must now be unanimous. Before getting to that stage, a hearing must determine a) whether Craig has a conflict of interest as a sitting judge, since he was working in the State Attorney’s office at the time Snelgrove was originally prosecuted (though not in the homicide division), and b) whether Snelgrove should have an evidentiary hearing about his mental capacities to be even eligible for the death penalty. The hearing will decide whether that evidentiary hearing is due. Snelgrove is expected to be present. At the Flagler County courthouse.
♦ Dec. 1: First Friday Art Walk in St. Augustine: From 5 – 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, the Art Galleries of St. Augustine feature new exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 galleries. The event is held rain or shine inside the member galleries and is a free, self-guided walking tour. www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org
♦ Dec. 5: AARP Driver Safety Program, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Frieda Zamba Pool Classroom, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast. The nation’s first and largest classroom course for motorists ages 50 and older. This one-day course identifies ways that older drivers can compensate for the physical changes that occur as they age and helps older drivers update their driving knowledge and skills. Fees are $20/session ($15/session for AARP members). To register, contact AARP representative Karen Zimmerman at 386-585-4116.
♦ Dec. 7: Critic’s Choice Dinner Club, 5:30 p.m. This monthly club visits a new restaurant, chosen by the group, to spend time with friends enjoying a casual dinner while rating food and service. New members welcome. This month’s location is Bayne’s Barbeque, 301 Moody Blvd, Flagler Beach. Food and transportation are the participant’s responsibility. Pre-register by 5 p.m. Sept. 5: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ Dec. 11: Bobby Earl Gore, who pleaded guilty on Oct. 10 to murdering his son at their Flagler Beach home on April 30, 2017, is sentenced by Circuit Judge Dennis Craig at the Flagler County courthouse, Courtroom 401, at 9 a.m. Gore, 74, in a plea deal, pleaded no contest to manslaughter, a first degree felony, and faces eight to 15 years in prison.
♦ Dec. 16: Abundant Life Ministries-Hope House’s Humanitarian of the Year is announced. The award will be presented during the “Christmas to Remember” celebration for children in foster care and other children under the dependency court system. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell.
♦ Jan. 5: First Friday Art Walk in St. Augustine: From 5 – 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, the Art Galleries of St. Augustine feature new exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 galleries. The event is held rain or shine inside the member galleries and is a free, self-guided walking tour. www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org
♦ Jan. 6: Chart-topping comedian Ron White comes to The Peabody at 7:30 p.m., where guests can expect an all new standup comedy show intended for mature audiences. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 6, 2017 at 10 a.m. They call him “Tater Salad.” Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon, but now as a chart-topping Grammy-nominated comedian and a feature film actor, Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right. Tickets ($65 and $45 plus applicable charges) will go on sale to the general public at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2017 at PeabodyDaytona.com, 800-982-ARTS or The Peabody box office. For mature audiences.
♦ Jan. 7: Florida Chamber Music Concerts. Join the Florida Chamber Music Project for a remarkable fifth season of the finest chamber music at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. General Admission Seating, $25 a ticket. Contact: 904/209-0399. Time of the concert: 3 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m. Today’s concert program: Boccherini’s Quartet “Opus 58”, No. 4 G245 in B minor, Puccini’s “Crisantemi”, Nino Rota’s String Quartet and Wolf’s Italian Serenade.
♦ Jan. 19: The Flagler Youth Orchestra’s Harmony Chamber Orchestra, the top ensemble, performs at Salvo Art House at 6 p.m., at 802 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell.
♦ Jan. 22: The Flagler County Stamp and Coin Club holds it monthly meeting. Doors open at 4:30 pm. From 4:30 – 6 pm this time is used for buying, selling and trading stamps and coins. Meeting starts at 6 pm and ends at 7:30 pm. There is a live auction of stamps and coins at the end of the meeting. The club is open for members, the general public, and all who are interested in stamp and coin collecting and investing. Free stamps and coin evaluations at all our meetings FCS&CC is the only non-profit Stamp and Coin Club, Inc., in Flagler County. Come join us for a fun filled evening. For more information please visit the club’s web site http://www.stampandcoinclub.com.
♦ Feb. 12: The Flagler Youth Orchestra’s five ensembles are all in concert at the Flagler Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for those 18 and older. Younger people pay $1. $1 of each adult ticket goes toward the auditorium’s Arts in Education fund.
♦ April 8: Florida Chamber Music Concerts. Join the Florida Chamber Music Project for a remarkable fifth season of the finest chamber music at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. General Admission Seating, $25 a ticket. Contact: 904/209-0399. Time of the concert: 3 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m. Today’s concert program: Schubert’s String Trio in B flat, D. 471 and Quintet for Piano and Strings in A, D. 667 “The Trout” with guest artists Hyunsoon Whang, piano and Jason Lindsay, double bass.
♦ May 2: The Flagler Youth Orchestra’s five ensembles are all in concert at the Flagler Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for those 18 and older. Younger people pay $1. $1 of each adult ticket goes toward the auditorium’s Arts in Education fund.
♦ May 6: Florida Chamber Music Concerts. Join the Florida Chamber Music Project for a remarkable fifth season of the finest chamber music at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. General Admission Seating, $25 a ticket. Contact: 904/209-0399. Time of the concert: 3 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m. Today’s concert program: Mozart’s String Quartet in A Major, K. 464 and Smetana’s String Quartet No. 1 in E minor, “From My Life.”