Weekend Briefing: Flagler Beach Christmas Parade, Tree-Lighting in Central Park, Messiah, Fantasy Lights, Snelgrove

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♦ April 22: In Court: Gerald Medders is scheduled to go on trial, starting with jury selection, in four counts of illegal sex with or molestation of a minor, before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins, in Courtroom 401 at the Flagler County courthouse, 9 a.m. Medders, 51, of 6 Zelda Place in Palm Coast, was arrested in March 2016. The victim, according to Medders’s charging affidavit, reported to a counselorthat Medders had allegedly been having sex with her for three months at his home on Zelda Place. Medders allegedly blamed the victim. See details here.
♦ April 22: The Bunnell City Commission meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 201 West Moody Boulevard, Bunnell. Little of note on the agenda.
♦ April 22: The Flagler Palm Coast High School Advisory Council meets at 6 p.m. at the school.
♦ April 22: The Buddy Taylor Middle School Advisory Council meets at 5 p.m. at the school’s media center.
♦ April 22: The Flagler County Stamp and Coin Club meets at 4:30 p.m. at the VFW Post 8696 47 N. Old Kings Road. From 4:30 - 6 p.m. the time is used for buying, selling and trading stamps and coins. The club meeting starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 7:30. 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. The club is the only non-profit Stamp and Coin Club in Flagler County. For more information please visit the club's web site.
♦ April 22-28: The 16th annual Jeep Beach in Daytona Beach's beach. Over the years, the event has steadily grown in size and scope. Since 2012, Jeep Beach has donated over $1.5 million to local charities. Past recipients include, Boys & Girls Club of Volusia & Flagler County, Childhood Cancer Foundation, NASCAR Foundation, Mission 22 and over 100 other local charities.
♦ April 23 : Flagler Beach's Beach Management Plan Ad-Hoc Committee meets at 5 p.m. at City Hall.
♦ April 23: Matanzas High School Spring band concert, 2:15 p.m. at Matanzas, Buddy Taylor Middle School Spring Band Concert at the Flagler Auditorium, 7 p.m.
♦ April 23: Stetson Choral Union, Sandra Peter, conductor. The Choral Union's program is entitled "Embracing Beauty: Envisioning the Future." Stetson’s largest choral group, comprised of both students and community members, perform an evening of works by living composers: Cecilia McDowall, Jocelyn Hagen, Joan Szymko Paul Basler, Daniel Kallman, Wayland Rogers, Mack Wilberg and Carly Simon. School of music professors Boyd Jones and Hannah Sun collaborate on organ and piano, respectively. The Young Singers of Stetson's Community School of Music, conducted by Amanda Sali, are also featured. Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall Note: The venue has changed from the original 2018-2019 concert series calendar. 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, 386-822-8950. Admission: $10 adults, $5 youth and students and free for ages 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or at www.stetson.edu/music-tickets.
♦ April 24: The Flagler County school district's Education Foundation and Matanzas High School mark the opening of the Matanzas Law and Justice Flagship program, with the unveiling of a mock courtroom b uilt by the school's construction flagship, at 10:30 a.m. at Matanzas, 3535 Pirate Nation Way, Palm Coast.
♦ April 24: A meeting of the Compassionate Friends is scheduled at the Vitas Office at 4 North Old Kings Road (across from Kentucky Fried Chicken) in Palm Coast. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. The Compassionate Friends, a nonprofit self-help bereavement support organization for families that have experienced the death of a child. The meeting is open to all parents, grandparents, and siblings over age 18 who has suffered the loss of a child of any age. For more information, call John Brady at 610-428-3139. To learn more about The Compassionate Friends, visit their national website at www.compassionatefriends.org.
♦ April 24: Stetson Jazz Ensemble, Patrick Hennessey, director. The Stetson University Jazz Ensemble is back on the Athens Theatre’s stage with a concert focusing on the creative talent of several of our musicians, especially our graduating seniors. Selections for this eclectic evening of jazz range from the traditional big band stylings of Count Basie to the ever-exciting swing of The Tonight Show Orchestra with Doc Severinsen, with some fresh takes on classic songs thrown in. The journey also includes works that push the boundaries of big band jazz from some of today’s best contemporary jazz composers. Athens Theatre, DeLand, 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand. 386-822-8950. Admission: $10 adults, $5 youth and students and free for ages 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or at www.stetson.edu/music-tickets.
♦ April 24: The Flagler Chamber hosts a Common Ground Breakfast featuring journalism and media, with panelists David Ayres of WNZF/Flagler Broadcasting, Brian McMillan of the Palm Coast Observer, Pierre Tristam of FlaglerLive, and a representative, yet to be named, from the News-Journal. Check in at 7:30 a.m., event at 8 a.m., Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast, 55 Town Center Dr. Members can preregister for $25, Guests & future members can attend for $35. Walk-ups are no longer accepted. To book a seat, contact Heather Edwards at the Chamber, heather@flaglerchamber.org.
♦ April 25: The Flagler Beach city Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Tourism Development Council's Amy Lukasik will update the commission on the latest at the tourism bureau, whose director, Matt Dunn, was recently suspended. Commissioners will also discuss a draft of an amendment to the city's mural ordinance. They will also consider allowing a waiver to residents of damaged properties to live in their RV while their property is being repaired. Commissioners will consider a special exception to allow the building of the First Baptist Church of Flagler Beach at 414 Beach Village Drive.
♦ April 25: The Palm Coast Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee meets at 5 p.m. at City Hall in Town Center.
♦ April 25: The Wadsworth Elementary School Advisory Council and PTO meet at 6 p.m. in the school’s media center.
♦ April 26: The mobile office and staffers from the office of Sen. Marcio Rubio will be at the George Wickline Senior Center in Flagler Beach, 800 S Daytona Ave., from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Meet your local staff and learn about the services Senator Rubio’s Office can offer his constituents, including in areas such as: Immigration, Military/VA, Medicare, Social Security, IRS/Banking, and Legislative Issues. For more information, call the North Florida Regional Office (904)-354-4300.
♦ April 26: Community art show: Some 100 pieces of locally-created art go on display at the spring Art Exhibition and Show at the Palm Coast Community Center at 5 p.m. The art was created by local children, adults and seniors who have participated in A.R.T programs at the Palm Coast Community Center or by students within the Flagler County School District. Among some of the artists, is 8-year-old Lyra Minhall. She has created several pieces of art as part of the Home School Enrichment Block, a program offered this April for the first time ever. Each Tuesday, children create artwork inspired by the greats, participate in physical recreation, and delve into the fun world of STEM, assisted by Lego Education WeDo 2.0 Robots. In addition to the show, there will be other forms of art celebrated at the event including performances featuring comedy, singing and dancing. A recital from the Beginning Ballet toddler program will kick-off the event at 5:30 p.m. on the patio. There will also be an improv performance from a local comedian. And, the Flagler Schools Elementary Honor Choir will perform several songs on the patio at about 6:45 p.m.
♦ April 26 and 28: The Community Chorus of Palm Coast's “Celestial Voices” concerts featuring the premiere of their first commissioned choral composition, “Cosmos,” are Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 at 4 p.m. Both performances are held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 156 Florida Park Drive, Palm Coast. “Cosmos” is based on a greeting card created by local artist Sharon Gudenberg, with her lyrics set to music by renowned composer Dr. Stan Pethel. This contemporary piece features piano and flute accompaniment which provides a truly ethereal experience for both the singers and the audience. Due to seating constraints, complimentary tickets are required. Please visit www.communitychorusofpalmcoast.com for more information on getting tickets prior to the performances. Only a few tickets may be available at the door, which will be distributed on a first-come/first-served basis.
♦ April 26-27: Flagler Sportfishing Club hosts its 23rd Annual Spring Classic Tournament. Over 120 anglers will be vying for over $8,000 in cash prizes and merchandise to catch Redfish, Trout and Flounder. Proceeds from the Annual Tournament benefit the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter 86. The event kicks off on Friday with a silent auction and registration opening at 5:30 p.m. at Beach Front Grille, at 2444 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., in Flagler Beach. There is a mandatory captain’s meeting that night at 7 p.m. The weigh-in will be held at Hidden Treasure, 820 Moody Lane in Flagler Beach on April 27, 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
♦ April 26-28: The Flagler Playhouse presents "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," at the The Flagler Playhouse, 301 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell. Call the box office at 386-586-0773 or visit the website for tickets here. Based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel. Protected by a friendly sheriff and frequented by politicians, football teams and other locals, the “Chicken Ranch” thrived in the small town of Gilbert, Texas. Girls came from all over to work at the ranch and make some extra cash. However, a crusading do-gooder Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience expose the Chicken Ranch, forcing it to shut its doors forever. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students under 21 with ID. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
♦ April 26: Stetson University Symphony Orchestra, Anthony Hose, conductor. Mozart’s late concert aria “Per questa bella mano” written in March 1791 brings two faculty bass professors to the stage of Lee Chapel. Chadley Ballantyne sings the part written for Franz Gerl, the first Sarastro in “Die Zauberflöte” and Michael Hill plays the virtuoso solo string bass part. The program opens with Wagner’s stirring Overture to “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg,” an opera set in the beautiful medieval town in central Germany and closes with Shostakovich’s fifth Symphony, composed in 1937 and seen by some as an autobiographical work. The composer described its theme as “the making of a man.” Having come under criticism of his fourth symphony, which in Stalin’s Soviet Union could be a death sentence, he described it as a step forward in his symphonic development and the powerful last movement as an answer to questions posed by the first three movements. Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. 386-822-8950. Admission: $10 adults, $5 youth and students and free for ages 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or at www.stetson.edu/music-tickets.
♦ April 27: The 2019 Housing Fair – hosted by Flagler County, the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County Association of Realtors, and the Mid-Florida Housing Partnership – will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27 at the Flagler County Association of Realtors building, 4101 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell. The fair happens annually during Fair Housing Month. The Fair Housing Act was approved more than 50 years ago. The public is invited to attend a free housing fair and financial wellness clinic to learn about various programs available for down payment assistance, owner-occupied rehabilitation, mortgage products, strategies to avoid foreclosure, and to learn about the Fair Housing Act and individual rights and responsibilities. Potential homebuyers can learn about the home buying process, evaluate their mortgage readiness and learn about new mortgage loan products. Information will be presented to homeowners about refinance opportunities, owner-occupied rehab programs and foreclosure avoidance strategies. Credit counseling will be provided by HUD Housing Counselors. Everyone is invited to get a free credit report, compliments of Fifth-Third Bank and Homebridge financial services. Additionally, representatives from Palm Coast, Flagler County, the Flagler County Association of Realtors, area mortgage lenders and other housing professionals will provide information and answer questions. For additional information, please contact Lydia Gregg at the Mid-Florida Housing Partnership at 386-274-4441, extension 304, or at lgregg@bellsouth.net.
♦ April 27: The Friends of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is hosting an Earth Day celebration and festival at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day by enjoying nature. Experience beautiful gardens, live music, and children's performances at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Environmentally oriented exhibitors will be on hand as well as various vendors. The extensive park plant bench will be selling a wide variety of Florida friendly plants for you to plant in your garden. Several nature programs will help inform you about Florida fauna including a presentation on how to use native plants in your garden. A kids section with live animals will be featured. Local musicians Remedy Tree and Sam Pacetti will perform, as well as Flagler County school singers and dancers. Refreshments will be available. Park admission fees apply. Fees are as follows: $5 per carload. Click on the image to the right to see the larger poster.
♦ April 27: The Palm Coast Fire Department hosts Touch-a-Truck, a free community event at Wadsworth Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27. The event will take place in the parking lot at the school, 4550 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast, immediately following the Wadsworth Elementary Panther 5K. The theme of the event is: See, Touch, Explore and Honk. There will be a static display of emergency vehicles, construction trucks and more. Participating partners include: the Palm Coast Fire Department, Flagler County Fire Rescue, Florida Forestry Service, Bunnell District, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol Palm Coast Public Works, Cline Construction, Rogers Towing, and others.
♦ April 27-28: Community Cats of Palm Coast holds its annual spring yard sale. Donations are needed, and can be dropped off at any time without prior arrangement at the yard sale site, 17 Fernham Lane in Palm Coast, just off Florida Park Drive. Items can be left safely on the cement porch. Or for a pickup, email us or call/text 386-237-7690. Anything but heavy furniture. The yard sale is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
♦ April 27: Freedom Fund Banquet: The Flagler County NAACP will embrace a rich tradition, hosting a Freedom Fund Banquet, April 27, 5 to 10 p.m., at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 U. S. 1 North, Palm Coast. The Freedom Fund initiative achieves the strategic focus of fighting modern-day slavery. The banquet will be replete with a keynote speaker, live band, cash bar, and dinner. Former Florida House Representative Sean Shaw will be the keynote speaker. Attorney Shaw was the Democratic nominee for the 2018 Florida Attorney General election. The ticket price is $75 per person. To add your name to the waiting list for tickets, call Chair Marian Howell at 386-283-4311; Blanche Valentine, 386-302-3638, or the NAACP office, 386-446-7822.
♦ April 27: Stetson Percussion Ensemble, Dan Johnson, director. This semester's percussion concert features chamber ensemble pieces comprised exclusively of duets, trios and quartets. The program contains mostly new compositions with a wide variety of instrumentation and intensity. 3 p.m. Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. All concerts are free and open to the public. Call 386/822-8950.
♦ April 27: Stetson University Concert Band, Douglas Phillips, conductor. Please join us for another evening of musical variety as the newly established Concert Band presents its final performance this academic year. The concert includes well known works by Anton Bruckner, Edwin Franko Goldman, Robert Jager and William Latham as well as a few surprises. The performance concludes with David Maslanka’s short symphony for wind band, “Give Us This Day.” 7:30 p.m., Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. 386-822-8950. Admission: $10 adults, $5 youth and students and free for ages 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or at www.stetson.edu/music-tickets.
♦ April 28: The ACLU's Volusia/Flagler Chapter's 2019 Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner will honor recipients of the Bob Stevenson Award for Outstanding Service: Kaiti Lenhart, Flagler County Supervisor of Elections and Lisa Lewis, Volusia County Supervisor of Election, for their work helping returning citizens register to vote after Voting Restoration Amendment 4 went into effect in Florida. Micah Kubic, ACLU of Florida Executive Director, will speak on how you can get involved with the ACLU in our local community. Reception at 6 p.m., dinner and awards at 6:45 p.m., Halifax River Yacht Club, 331 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach.
♦ April 28: Oh. . .That Little Black Dress Fundraising Event: The GAL7 Foundation, Inc. invites you to grab that Little Black Dress and join us as we mix and mingle for a great cause. Watch your Little Black Dress transformed with accessories from Chez Jacqueline, participate in silent auctions, raffles and enjoy the wine bar and champagne raffle. We will also have vendor tables with make-up, nail art, a hair stylist and much more. Join us for an evening of fun! The GAL7 Foundation is a non-profit organization which exists to meet the needs (basic, emergency and enrichment/inclusion) of children in foster care in Florida's Judicial Circuit Court Seven. This includes Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia Counties. The benefit will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Atlantic Ballroom at Hammock Beach Resort, 200 Ocean Crest Dr. Palm Coast. Tickets are $50 and include free valet parking, a chance to win 5 elegant door prizes and a buffet of heavy Hors d'oeuvres. Get your tickets here.
♦ April 28: Stetson Brass Ensembles. The Brass Ensemble, directed by David Schmidt, performs Introduction to Act III of “Die Meistersinger” by Richard Wagner and “Ecce Sacerdos Magnus” by Anton Bruckner. The Horn Ensemble, directed by Kathy Thomas, presents Steven Mahpar’s arrangement of “Shenandoah.” The Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, directed by Ryan Sorenson, plays an arrangement from “The Barber of Seville” by Gioachino Rossini. The Trombone Ensemble, directed by David Schmidt, features 2003 Stetson alumnus, Jason Robins on several selections for solo trombone and trombone ensemble. Robins serves as the second trombonist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The Trumpet Ensemble, directed by Tom Macklin, also performs several works during the performance. 3 p.m. Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. All concerts are free and open to the public. Call 386/822-8950.
♦ April 29: Flagler Youth Orchestra's year-end Take a Bow Concert, 7 p.m. at the Flagler Auditorium, 5500 East Hwy 100, Palm Coast, call 386-437-7547. The Flagler Youth Orchestra performs its final concert of the 2018-19 season on Monday, April 29th, at 7 p.m. at the Flagler Auditorium in Palm Coast. Conductor Sue Cryan and fellow teachers of the FYO will lead five orchestras with 375 string musicians — a cross-section of public, private and homeschooled students. The program includes music by Mozart, Freddie Mercury and much more. Adult tickets are $8 with $1 from each ticket going to the Auditorium’s Arts in Education Fund, and children 17 and under are $3. The orchestra’s proceeds help underwrite instrument scholarships and repairs, teaching staff and concert productions. The Flagler Youth Orchestra is made possible by the Flagler County School District, with the support of the Friends of the Youth Orchestra, whose sole mission is to provide free music education after school to all Flagler children with a desire to play an instrument. Book here.
♦ April 30: A hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins, in Courtroom 401, in the case of Joseph Bova II, the man accused of murdering store clerk Zuheili Rosado in 2013 at the Mobil convenience store on State Road 100 in February 2013. Bova has been at a psychiatric facility for treatment, judged incompetent to stand trial. In February 2019, the administrator of the facility notified the court that Bova "no longer meets the criteria for continued commitment," suggesting he is ready for trial.
♦ April 30: Docket sounding, the last step before trial (when a trial is scheduled) is set for 1:30 p.m. before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins in the case of Michael Craig Bowling, the 48-year-old man sentenced in mid-April to 20 years in prison for molesting a girl, and now facing another trial, this time on rape and molestation charges. His victim was his then-step-daughter.
♦ April 30: Daytona State College holds the first two of its strategic planning process for 2020-2023 and wants your ideas and insights about initiatives the college might pursue during that timeframe. The first session is from 10 a.m. to noon at the News Journal Center, 221 N Beach St, Daytona Beach, Room 130. The second session is at 2:30 p.m. at the college's Advanced Technology Center, 1770 Technology Blvd, Daytona Beach. Interactive focus groups are scheduled on each campus, starting at the end of April and ending the second week of June. Faculty, staff, students and the public are invited to attend and participate. Prior to the sessions, the DSC District Board of Trustees will share its own vision for the college during a board retreat scheduled April 26. Plan to attend and share your vision for DSC’s future. To participate, bring your mobile device (cell phone, tablet, etc.). For more information, contact Dr. Karla Moore, (386) 506-3650, Karla.Moore@DaytonaState.edu; or John Brady, (386) 506-3837, John.Brady@DaytonaState.edu.
♦ May 1: Daytona State College holds the third its strategic planning process for 2020-2023 and wants your ideas and insights about initiatives the college might pursue during that timeframe. The session is from 9 to 11 a.m. at DSC's L. Gale Lemerand Student Center, Rm. 119, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach. Interactive focus groups are scheduled on each campus, starting at the end of April and ending the second week of June. Faculty, staff, students and the public are invited to attend and participate. Plan to attend and share your vision for DSC’s future. To participate, bring your mobile device (cell phone, tablet, etc.). For more information, contact Dr. Karla Moore, (386) 506-3650, Karla.Moore@DaytonaState.edu; or John Brady, (386) 506-3837, John.Brady@DaytonaState.edu.
♦ May 2: The Palm Coast Democratic Club meets at 6:30 p.m. at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 N. US HWY 1, Palm Coast (just north of Whiteview Parkway), with speaker Ernie Gallo, president of the USS Liberty Veterans Association. He will speak about his efforts to raise awareness of the attack on the USS Liberty by Israeli forces on June 8, 1967 during the Six-Day War, and his efforts to memorialize it. Also, an important item of business on will be your vote to approve a change to club Bylaws to officially reflect the name change from All Flagler Democratic Club to Palm Coast Democratic Club. Please mark your calendar and join us.
♦ May 2-5: The Flagler Playhouse presents "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," at the The Flagler Playhouse, 301 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell. Call the box office at 386-586-0773 or visit the website for tickets here. Based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel. Protected by a friendly sheriff and frequented by politicians, football teams and other locals, the “Chicken Ranch” thrived in the small town of Gilbert, Texas. Girls came from all over to work at the ranch and make some extra cash. However, a crusading do-gooder Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience expose the Chicken Ranch, forcing it to shut its doors forever. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students under 21 with ID. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
♦ May 3: Coffee Series, 9-10 a.m. at Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE. This month’s topic: “Travel Tips for Seniors” with Josephine L’Heureux of Travel Leaders. The event is free, but pre-registration is required (while space available) by 9 a.m. May 1: www.parksandrec.fun/adults. More info: 386-986-2323.
♦ May 3: The African-American Cultural Society inaugurates its Culture Club, a new first-Friday tradition with drinks, food and live music. Come chill at AACS, a Smooth Groove Matinee, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., 4422 US Hwy 1, North, Palm Coast, (GPS user's insert Bunnell instead of Palm Coast). Call 386-447-7030. Admission $10 at door.
♦ May 3: First Friday in Flagler Beach with live music, food and vendors, starting after 5 p.m.
♦ May 3-5: Second annual Palm Coast Songwriters' Festival showcasing more than 12 artists/songwriters at two outdoor venues – Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater May 3-4, and the Palm Coast Arts Foundation stage May 5, for a weekend of melody and music. The Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater is at 3000 Palm Coast Parkway SE, Palm Coast. The Palm Coast Arts Foundation stage is located at 1500 Central Avenue, Palm Coast. Unlike other musical festivals where audience members listen to song after song from a full band, the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival provides a unique, more intimate experience between the artist and the listener as the songwriters will often share the meaning behind their lyrics. This 3-day event allows the audience to go ‘behind the curtain’ and see the faces, listen to the voices and hear the stories behind some of the most popular songs of yesteryear and playing on the radio today. Early bird ticket pricing is available through Feb. 8 and start at $8. Single day, and three-day ticket options are available, including a three-day VIP Gold package that includes dinner Friday evening and an after-show meet and greet with the writers. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, visit www.PalmCoastSongwritersFestival.com
♦ May 4: Arbor Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave, Palm Coast. Help celebrate Palm Coast’s love of trees with tree give-away (in exchange for food/pet food donation), butterfly release and tent, free paper shredding service, entertainment, drone demonstration, “green” vendors, petting zoo, free bird walks, Birds of Prey show and fun activities for all ages. Free and registration not required. More info: www.palmcoastgov.com/arborday.
♦ May 4: The law firm of Rue & Ziffra will host the inaugural Heroes Ride, a free-of-charge, police-escorted motorcycle charity ride May 4, 2019 to honor first responders and military personnel. The public is warmly invited to attend the event, and all — bikers and non-bikers alike — are welcome. The day of jam-packed activities begins at 9:30 a.m., with a welcome ceremony at the Flagler County Government Services Building located at 1769 E. Moody Blvd., in Bunnell, Fla. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and other community leaders will offer brief welcoming remarks. Motorcycle engines fire up at 10:15 a.m., from the same location, run through the scenic Flagler and Volusia counties for a total of 31 enjoyable miles, and end at the entertaining OB’s Restaurant and Lounge in Deland, Fla., at 1750 N. Woodland Blvd. The ride ends, and the party kicks into high gear with live entertainment, a live broadcast by 95.7 the HOG, special appearances by area police and fire personnel and a $5 barbecue lunch. Proceeds from the lunch will be donated to two local charities that support veterans and first responders: Combat Vets and Paws of War of Florida. The party includes a hero-worthy ceremony filled with tear-jerking, heartstring-pulling presentations of good and giving to service members in the community. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood will offer commentary. The Deltona Fire Department will be on site. A Fallen Comrade Table ceremony will take place to honor all the heroes who have died in service. See the website here.
♦ May 4: Hidden Trails Community Arts and Craft Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This will the the first annual Arts & Crafts event to get people out and to utilize our Amazing Hidden Trails Flagler County Park, fill it with beautiful things, support small business, and have opportunity for those who share treasures and to gain from it, as well as those who take them home. We will have live music, art of every genre, crafts of every kind, vendors who have small business to encourage prosperity, food, ice cream etc. Everything you will need there to have a wonderful day, make new friends, listen to great music, eat delicious food, get your picture in the photo booth, raffles,family fun, and so much more. Bring your Mom for a Mothers Day outing, or buy her something beautiful and unique. Select a piece of art, jewelry, etc. for yourself or someone special. If you are an Artist, Crafter, or Vendor, please sign up, and meet us there.




For events beyond this date, see the fuller Coming Days here.