Weekend Briefing: Rocky Horror Show, FPC Homecoming, Soprano Anna Maria, Bike MS, Pink Army 5K, Pet Blessing

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) open and closed meetings take place throughout the day seven days a week in various places in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell. Alcoholics Anonymous has six to nine meetings daily. See the full list here. Locations include AdventHealth, St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Belle Terre Parkway, Silver Dollar 2 on East Moody Boulevard in Bunnell, United Methodist Church in Flagler Beach, Dewey’s World in Daytona North, also known as the Mondex, Hammock First Baptist Church, and other locations. See Flagler County’s AA website here. Learn more about AA here. Read a daily reflection here.

Narcotics Anonymous has almost two dozen meetings throughout the week in the area, including at AdventHealth, Saint Mark’s by the Sea and Linear Park in Palm Coast, Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach, and the Sunshine Business Complex in Bunnell. Go here for a complete list.

For Palm Coast Alateen Sereniteen and Al-Anon meetings, go here.

For help with alcoholism or if you think you have a problem with alcohol you can contact the Flagler County Helpline at 386-445-help (386-445-4357). SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, SAMHSA will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. SAMHSA can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.

Veterans Day County Ceremony: Flagler County residents are invited to gather with the Board of County Commissioners to honor the men and women who bravely served in the country’s military at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. in front of the Government Services Building, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell.
The guest speaker will be Ernest C. Audino, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (retired). The Veterans Day event is sponsored by the Flagler County Commission and the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council. Veterans groups participating include: American Legion Post 115, Amvets Post 113, Marine Corps League 876, Military Officers Association of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Flagler County Veterans Service Office, and the Knights of Columbus Color Guard 2810, as well as Flagler Palm Coast High School AFJROTC and Formality Singers, Matanzas High School Army JROTC, scouting troops from across Flagler County, and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 86.

Palm Coast Veteran’s Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Avenue. In a first of its kind event for the city, there will be a free barbecue and live music to celebrate those who have served our country. We encourage those interested in attending to register by either calling Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323 or visiting the Palm Coast Community Center at 305 Palm Coast Pkwy NE to sign up as this is a ticketed event. If you are affiliated with a veteran’s group, please register with your group. Here is a timeline of the event:

· 11-11:15 a.m. – Opening music from Starlite Sounds
· 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Opening ceremony to include the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, Presentation of Colors by the Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard, remarks from Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland and a traditional cake cutting ceremony.
· 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Food will be served. Enjoy pulled pork, barbecue beans, coleslaw and a water or soda from Hot Diggity Dog. The city will serve apple pie for dessert. Also enjoy music and nature’s beauty with the backdrop of Central Park.
For more information, please call Palm Coast Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323.

The Airmen of Note, the USAF’s premier jazz ensemble, is coming to Palm Coast! The legendary jazz big band plays a free concert at Flagler Auditorium (5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast) on Veteran’s Day at 3 p.m. Reserve your tickets at: https://flaglerauditorium.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=150

The Flagler County Land Acquisition Committee meeting is cancelled. The committee was to meet at 3:30 p.m. at the Government Services Building, First Floor Conference Room, 1769 E Moody Blvd., Bldg 2, Bunnell. The committee is an advisory board to the county commission on the acquisition and management of environmentally sensitive lands, recreation, and water recharge areas. The committee is scheduled to meet once a month, but seldom does.

Committee members:

Anne Wilson – 05/06/1996 to 05/17/2019
Walter Mahler – 03/02/2015 to 03/02/2021
Brynn Newton – 02/06/1989 to 02/01/2019
Ann Moore – 04/20/2009 to 04/20/2021
Mike Kuypers – 06/19/1989 to 08/03/2021
Richard Hamilton – 10/20/2008 to 11/07/2020

The Nar-Anon Family Group for those affected by someone else’s addiction meets at 6 p.m. at St Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, 303 Palm Coast Pkwy. There are no dues or fees. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. We’re never affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. Do you need Nar-Anon? Ask yourself these questions.

Addiction is a family disease. It affects the relationships of those close to the addict: parents, spouses, siblings, children, longtime friends, and employers.  If someone’s addiction is affecting you, first you must help yourself. Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery. Watch the video:

Palm Coast Alateen Sereniteen and Al-Anon meetings: Alateen, part of Al-Anon Family Groups, is for teens bothered by someone else’s drinking. The group meets at 8 p.m. every Monday at Advent Health, 60 Memorial Medical Parkway, Palm Coast, at the south entrance, in meeting room D. Al-Anon meets at the same time. For more information about Alateen or Al-Anon, call toll free 1-888-4AL-ANON, or visit www.al-anon.org. Note: All Aalteen meetings are only open to teenagers who have been affected by another person’s drinking.

For AA and NA meetings in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell, go here.

The Flagler County Affordable Housing Committee meets. The County Commission  established the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee/ Housing Task Force, under Section 16-77 of the Flagler County Code, to make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding specific initiatives to encourage or facilitate affordable housing in Flagler County. Meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. on the Second Tuesday of each month. Staff Liaison is Ralston Reodica,  386-313-4037. See the committee bylaws here, and committee agendas here, though they’re posted only spottily.

Flagler’s Community Traffic Safety Team meets at 9 a.m. at Flagler Technical Institute, 5400 E. Hwy 100, just west of Flagler Palm Coast High School. The meeting is open to all who have a concern with road safety.

School Board member Andy Dance chairs the group. His preview of the meeting: We will include items forwarded to the CTST plus review the agenda action items from prior meetings and updating their status. The following “ongoing” items will be reviewed at the next meeting:

1. Follow-up on corrective actions taken to alleviate congestion on Matanzas Woods Parkway at the MHS driveway connection before school and during bus release.
2. Progress on “school zone designation” at same area on Matanzas Woods Parkway.
3. Traffic congestion at Old Kings Elementary School
4. Follow-up on A1A safety issues in the Hammock

If you are a Flagler Schools administrator, we realize you have limited staff to send to the meeting and you are not required to attend every month. However, if you have issues and concerns relating to vehicular, pedestrian or cyclist safety, please email them to me to include on the agenda and send a representative to the meeting.

The Palm Coast City Council meets in workshop at 9 a.m. at City Hall in Town Center. The agenda is largely routine.

The St. Johns River Water Management District Board meets at the district’s headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka. Times vary: Check this list for this meeting’s time.

The Garden Club of Palm Coast meets at 12:30 p.m. at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell. Kris Daniels, Master Beekeeper, explains plants that attract bees and their benefits to our wellbeing. Plant Sale begins at 12:30 pm. Meeting begins at 1 p.m.

Free Chronic Pain Self-Management Program: City of Flagler Beach Library, 315 S. 7th Street, Flagler Beach, 1:40 to 4 p.m. Techniques to cope with fatigue, frustration, isolation, and poor sleep. How to evaluate new treatments and communicate effectively. Appropriate use of medications and exercise. Pacing activity, rest, and healthy eating tips. Classes enhance, not replace existing programs and treatments. Registration: Sherri Cheshire, at Northeast Florida AHEC Phone: (877) 784-8486 Email: [email protected] Online: nefahec.eventbrite.com

Daytona State College Foundation’s Wisdom in Senior Education program (WISE): This week, Dr. Jean Hickman, Daytona State College. Musical review and short performances from the DSC Jazz Choir and Music Program. At DSC’s Advanced Technology College, 1770 Technology Blvd., Daytona Beach (located ½-mile north of LPGA Blvd. off Williamson Blvd.) – all presentations are from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The Foundation created the WISE program to provide continuing education and cultural enrichment activities to senior members of the community.WISE is open to anyone age 50 or older; $15 for an individual or $25 per couple for the period September-December. For more information, contact Suzette Cameron, Director of Alumni Relations and Development, call (386) 506-4506, or email [email protected]

The Flagler Humane Society and County Commissioner Joe Mullins are hosting a Town Howl meeting at the society’s location, 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast, at 5 p.m., to discuss the county commission’s recently passed ordinance that still allows dog-chaining. The society describes the evening as “An important discussion and call to action with our County Commissioners concerning county anti-tethering laws.” See: “Flagler Approves Unattended Tethering of Dogs Outdoors, Against Humane Society Objections.”

The Flagler County Planning and Development Board scheduled for 6 p.m. in Board Chambers at the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2, first floor, Bunnell, has been cancelled.

See full agendas here.

The Bunnell City Commission meets at City Hall at 7 p.m., Commission Chamber, City Hall Building 3, 201 West Moody Boulevard. See all agendas and background materials here. Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton is scheduled to make a presentation on the city’s proposed partnership with UNF in Town Center. Abundant Life Ministries, the organization run by Sandra Shanks, is applying for a zoning change of 7 acres at West Howe Street and Elkin Street from single-family residential to apartment dwellings. The full agenda and background materials are here. Listen to the meetings here.

The city commissioners’ email:

• Mayor Catherine Robinson
• Commissioner John Rogers
• Commissioner Bill Baxley
• Commissioner Donnie Nobles
• Commissioner Jan Reeger
• City Manager Alvin Jackson

  

Sounds New XXV: Amernet String Quartet: The Amernet String Quartet has garnered recognition as one of today’s exceptional string quartets and is the Ensemble-in-Residence at Florida International University in Miami. The Amernet was founded in 1992 at The Juilliard School and was the first prize winner of the Banff, Tokyo and Fischoff chamber music competitions. 7:30 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.

A monthly community gathering for friends and family of suicide loss, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Find Your Peace by Pieces, 300 Palm Coast Pkwy S.W. Unit 9 and 11. Overcoming and managing the grief of losing a loved one to suicide can be pervasive and overwhelming. We invite you to join this community gathering to understand why this type of grief is challenging to live with but more importantly this is a peer group coming together to form a support system in each other, with others who live with this loss. This group is once a month, but our hope is that you will make connections with each other, if that is something that you need or want. That you can have this support throughout the month as well. Reaching out to each other if needed ♡ Held in the community lounge, unit 9. An inviting, calming environment. Meditation nooks are available to use if needed or wanted with sound machines/headphones in case you need a few moments to yourself while there as well. Donations accepted but not required. We want you here. Any donations made will go to help support the center in being able to bring this group and others to the community.

The Public Safety Coordinating Council, which gathers law enforcement, judicial, social service and government agencies, meets at 8:45 a.m. at the Emergency Operations Center in Bunnell. But the regularity of its meetings is fitful. See agendas, when they’re posted (also a rarity), here.

The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce hosts a Women in Leadership luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn at 5 Town Center Blvd., Palm Coast. The panel will consist of women in leadership roles in government and economic development, with Linda Provencher, Mayor of Flagler Beach, Catherine Robinson, Mayor of Bunnell, Robin King, Chair, President & CEO, CareerSource Flagler Volusia, and Helga van Eckert, who heads Flagler County’s economic development department.

The Blue Power 2020 Action Forum, 12:30 p.m. at the African American Cultural Society, 4422 N. US HWY 1, Palm Coast (just north of Whiteview Parkway). Come and join other progressive Democrats to discuss local, state and national issues, and propose actions to influence elected leaders. The Forum is open and informal and all opinions and ideas are welcomed. This is your opportunity to meet and lend your voice and knowledge to people who share your values. For more information, contact Mike Cocchiola, [email protected] The Blue Power forum meets every Wednesday. Republicans, Independents and Whigs welcome.

In court: Joseph Colon, the man accused of first degree murder in the death of Savannah DeAangelis, for having allegedly provided her the heroin that ended her life in an overdose in November 2017, is scheduled for a pre-trial before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins at the Flagler County courthouse, Courtroom 401, 1:30 p.m. See: “In a First, Palm Coast Drug Dealer Is Indicted on 1st Degree Murder in Overdose Death of Savannah Deangelis.”

The Bunnell Code Enforcement Board meets at 7 p.m. in City Commission Chambers, Building 3, 201 West Moody Boulevard, Bunnell. See agendas here and listen to the meetings here.

Code Enforcement Board members are Joy Allen, Delories Hall, Kenneth Gordon, Julie Auiar and Stephen Woodin Sr.

Comedian Kevin James is live at 7:30 p.m. at the Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Boulevard, Daytona Beach. Tickets here. James began his career as a stand-up on the Long Island comedy scene. After being discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a network development deal to create his own sitcom. The King of Queens, which premiered in 1998, ran for nine seasons on CBS with James starring and executive producing, and it garnered him an Emmy nomination in 2006 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. James also starred in and executive produced the sitcom Kevin Can Wait for Sony Television and CBS. In 2001, James brought his stand-up act to TV with Sweat the Small Stuff, a one-hour special for Comedy Central. His second comedy special Never Don’t Give Up premiered on Netflix in April 2018.

World Diabetes Day: From 8:30-10 a.m., the community is invited to join AdventHealth Palm Coast and the City of Palm Coast, along with the community group The DiaBEATes Alliance, for a World Diabetes Day commemoration at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE, Palm Coast. Created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, World Diabetes Day is the largest diabetes awareness campaign. The theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day is Family and Diabetes, as the International Diabetes Federation wants to bring attention to the impact diabetes can have on a family. Research conducted by International Diabetes Federation discovered that parents would struggle to spot this serious life-long condition in their own children. Even though the majority of people surveyed had a family member with diabetes, an alarming 4 out of 5 parents would have trouble recognizing the warning signs, and 1 in 3 wouldn’t spot them at all. Representatives from AdventHealth Palm Coast, the City of Palm Coast, and the DiaBEATes Alliance, will raise a diabetes awareness flag. In addition, MPower Fitness will lead a light 30-minute class at 8:40 a.m. AdventHealth Palm Coast will provide free blood pressure checks, the Flagler County Health Department will perform free diabetes testing and the Palm Coast Lions Club will provide free retinopathy scanner screenings. The Flagler County Health Department and Flagler County Free Clinic will also lead a diabetes education lecture. Light refreshments will be provided. To learn more or to RSVP, visit parksandrec.fun/adults.

The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park presents Bach’s Moravian Music Heritage, at Tiedtke Concert Hall, Knowles Chapel, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, 7:30 p.m. John V. Sinclair, conductor, members of the Bach Festival Choir and Orchestra. By bringing their love of music with them from Europe, the Moravians affected the musical life of young America. In addition to establishing the first Bach Society in America, the Moravians are our lineage to baroque and classical era masterpieces. In our 85th season, join us in acknowledging our gratitude as we perform inspiring Moravian music. Tickets, $20-$45

The Flagler Beach City Commission meets as the city’s CRA board at 4:30 p.m., then as the commission at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 105 South 2nd Street. The commission will hear a presentation on the 2020 census from County Commission Chairman Donald O’Brien, and is expected to approve a resolution of support for a UNF presence in Palm Coast’s Town Center. Full agendas and minutes are accessible here.

Mayor, City Commissioners and City Manager emails:

• Mayor Linda Provencher
• Commission Chair Jane Mealy
• Commissioner Kim Carney
• Commissioner Eric Cooley
• Commissioner Rick Belhumeur
• Commissioner Marshall Shupe
• City Manager Larry Newsom

The Free Quit Smoking Now program meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at AdventHealth Palm Coast (in conference room C: enter main entrance, conference room to the right). The free class meets once a week through Nov. 21 in one-hour sessions. This class provides you with the skills to develop a quit plan and learn to overcome barriers, learn to manage triggers, cravings, withdrawals, and stress, understand the benefits of quitting, and relapse prevention. Each participant is given a workbook, quit bag, educational materials, and quit tools. Also, up to a free 4-week supply of Nicotine Replacement Therapy, (patch, lozenge, or gum). Call Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at (904) 482-0189 for more information or to register.

Three farmers’ markets operate over the weekend in Flagler County. The Flagler Beach farmers’ market is on Friday from 8 a.m. to early afternoon, downtown at 111 South Central Ave. Contact the market by email here. The European Village Farmers’ Market at 101 Palm Harbor Parkway is Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., featuring music jams as well. The Salt Air Farmers’ Market is on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Marinelad’s parking area near the marina, on the West side of A1a.

The ever-popular ShORE Symposium (Sharing Our Research with Everyone on the Indian River Lagoon) returns for its 5th annual edition at Daytona State College’s News-Journal Center on November 15. The day-long event is presented by DSC’s Institute of Marine and Environmental Studies (IMES), the Marine Discovery Center and the Atlantic Center for the Arts. Sponsors include the Marine Discovery Center, DMC Dredging & Marine Consultants, One Lagoon and Riverside Conservatory. ShORE is composed of citizens dedicated to creating public awareness on protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Indian River Lagoon. All stakeholders who have an interest in restoring and preserving the integrity of the Indian River Lagoon system are encouraged to attend. Although the event is open and free to the public, registration is encouraged (registration is online at DaytonaState.edu/shore). In addition to expert speakers, the symposium offers high school students and undergraduate college students an opportunity to present research and findings on the lagoon system in a collaborative setting and to foster mentoring relationships with scholars and scientists. Likewise, it provides scientists a forum to share their recent findings and lagoon management strategies. This year’s keynote speakers include Dr. Bernie Krause and Jack Hines. For more information about IMES and the ShORE 2019 Symposium, call (386) 506-3765 or email [email protected]

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Flagler hosts “Subs & Songs for Scholarships” from 6 to 9 p.m. at Santa Maria del Mar, 915 N. Central Ave., Flagler Beach, and will feature music by Debbie Owen and Tony T. Subs, chips, and desserts will be served. Coffee and sodas available. Bring Your Own Bottle. Tickets are $15 per person. Please contact Sherri Barnett at 856-371-9497.

Since 1987, AAUW Flagler has awarded 185 Flagler County students with scholarships totaling more than $250,000. Founding member Mary Ann Clark began the scholarship award process by raffling her hand-made, crocheted afghan. Thanks to her efforts, the branch awarded its first scholarship, for $500, in 1987. AAUW Flagler proudly awards scholarships for graduating high school seniors, continuing education, post-baccalaureate study, for National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), Tech Trek, and arts grants.

National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, Presented by Daytona Beach Symphony Society at 7:30 p.m. at the Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Boulevard, Daytona Beach. Tickets here. Volodymyr Sirenko, conductor, Olga Kern, piano. Founded in 1918, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is considered to be one of the finest symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe. This concert will feature works by Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky along with “The First Ukrainian Symphony,” by the Ukrainian composer Maksym Berezovsky. Concerto soloist Olga Kern, piano, won the Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, as the first woman to do so in more than thirty years.

Stetson University Symphony Orchestra A concerto competition winners’ performance. Anthony Hose, conductor, 7:30 p.m., Elizabeth Hall, Room 100 (Lee Chapel), 421 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand. : $10 adults, $5 youth and free for Stetson University students with an ID and ages 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or at www.stetson.edu/music-tickets.

James Ehnes, hailed as “fierce and impressive” by the San Francisco Classical Voice, joins the Symphony for Elgar’s ethereal Violin Concerto. The superstar violinist won the 2019 GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Solo performance. You will be thrilled by Sibelius’ cheerful and yet peaceful Sixth Symphony. And, we’ll explore the story of a lonely fisherman with Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. at Jacoby Symphony Hall, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water Street, Suite 200, Jacksonville.

Flagler Pier Fishing Tournament, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., like every third Saturday of every month. For any questions, please contact the Pier bait shop at 386-517-2436.

Guided Beach Exploration at the GTM Reserve, 9 to 11 a.m., GTM Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. Join GTM Research Reserve docents for a beach walk. You will learn about the animals that call the beach their home, about seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. The hike will begin at the Visitor Center, where you will learn about the different habitats on our beautiful seashore. The group will then walk across the street to the beach for this salty adventure. Free parking in front of the visitor center. The walk is free, but online registration here is required. After the walk, you can come back to the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, enjoy our many miles of trails, or spend the day on the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a reservation to attend? Yes.
• If I can’t make it, how do I cancel my reservation? Upon making the reservation, an email confirmation is sent. There is information about canceling within the email. Since a lot of our guided family programs are full, we strongly encourage you to cancel, so that your seat becomes available for others interested.
• What should I wear? Please wear clothing that is appropriate for outdoors. It’s always recommended to dress in layers and prepare for any type of weather. Hats will help protect your skin from the sun, along with sunscreen. Closed-toe shoes are suggested, but not required. Bug spray is also recommended.
• How long is the walk? Round trip, the walk is about half a mile. The hike leaders will take you down to the beach, and will walk ~0.25 miles one way. You are welcome to continue on with the lead, or turn around when they do and discuss more on the way back. At any point throughout the hike, visitors are allowed to take swim breaks in the beautiful ocean.
• What should I bring? Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars/camera and a bag if you would like to collect shells, shark teeth, sea glass, trash, etc.
• Where should I meet my guide? CLICK HERE for a Google Map. Your guide will be waiting at the GTM Visitor Center 15 minutes prior to the scheduled hike.
• What will I learn from this? The GTM Research Reserve interpretive guide will cover where the restless sand comes from, where it’s going and its refusal to stay put. Ask why the sand is fine or coarse and how it got its color. Learn about coquina rocks, dune flowers, sea birds, shells and the humble gopher tortoise who digs deep burrows and comes out to dine on prickly pears along the dunes.
• Is there anything else to see afterwards? You’re welcome to stay at the beach longer and collect shells, swim in the ocean, or lay in the sun- have a family day! You can purchase a $3 parking pass to enjoy the Dam area, where visitors can fish, rent kayaks or paddle-boards. You can hike one of our beautiful trails, head to one of our three beach lots, or come hang out in the Visitor Center and learn more about our natural surroundings.
• How old does my child need to be to attend? Can I push a stroller? There are no age restrictions for this hike, but the Florida heat can be uncomfortable for small children. You are welcome to push a stroller, however we strongly recommend strollers with large beach-capable wheels.
• I have a bad back, can I still do this hike? The hike is moderately paced, and has soft sand terrain. As long as you feel comfortable walking through beach sand for about half of a mile, please join us on this hike!

Palm Coast Historical Society Lecture Series: Roger Smith, 9:30 a.m. at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE. The American Revolution’s Best Kept Secret: Why East and West Florida Mattered. Join us to learn this secret. Smith will also have his books for sale. This is a free event. Light refreshments will be provided. Smith received his Ph.D. in Early American History and Atlantic World Studies from the University of Florida in 2011. His work on the American Revolution in the South has received the Aschoff Fellowship Dissertation Award and the Jack and Celia Proctor Award in Southern History.

Family Fun Saturday at the Museum of Art DeLand, 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Are you looking for an entertaining family activity that will bring out everyone’s artistic side? Family Fun Saturday offers free, hands-on art activities that highlight the Museum’s exhibitions. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and admission to both Museum locations is free all day. Family Fun Saturdays are sponsored in part by the Rotary Club of DeLand and the Orange City Blue Springs Manatee Festival.

The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach hosts a Helicopter Golf Ball Drop fundraiser at 5 p.m. in conjunction with Freedom Fest at the Flagler Executive Airport, 201 Airport Drive, Palm Coast. The golf balls are numbered and will be dropped from a helicopter over a golf pin. Closest to the pin receives $1,000, second closest receives $250, and third closest receives $100. There is also a $50 prize for farthest from the pin and other gifts and prizes. One ball chance purchase is a $10 donation, three balls are $25, seven balls are $50, and 15 balls are $100. Those interested in purchasing tickets for this Rotary fundraiser may visit www.FlaglerBeachRotary.org. All proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach’s many charitable programs, a registered 501(c)3. For
further information, please contact [email protected]

James Ehnes, hailed as “fierce and impressive” by the San Francisco Classical Voice, joins the Symphony for Elgar’s ethereal Violin Concerto. The superstar violinist won the 2019 GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Solo performance. You will be thrilled by Sibelius’ cheerful and yet peaceful Sixth Symphony. And, we’ll explore the story of a lonely fisherman with Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. at Jacoby Symphony Hall, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water Street, Suite 200, Jacksonville.

The Colored Pencil Society of America DC 117 St. Augustine meets at 1 p.m. at the Flagler County Art League, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite A-208, Palm Coast. The public is welcome.

At the time DC-117 was established in 2005, it was designated as “St. Augustine” as the city is a central point on the First Coast. However, our meetings are held in Palm Coast and our members attend from a wide area ~ Jacksonville to New Smyrna Beach and west to Gainesville. Our Chapter, founded by Bill Shoemaker and Hanneke Jevons, started with a number of colored pencil enthusiasts and their desire to share and nurture their love of colored pencil as a fine art. Anyone who is interested is welcomed at our meetings – no experience necessary! Many people get started in this medium after going to one meeting or show. They are fascinated with the vast possibilities of colored pencil. Our Chapter also sponsors workshops with nationally-known artists to help us learn new techniques and refine our skills. We welcome all interested artists to attend a meeting where we share our talents and colored pencil art information.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) open and closed meetings take place throughout the day seven days a week in various places in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell. Alcoholics Anonymous has six to nine meetings daily. See the full list here. Locations include AdventHealth, St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Belle Terre Parkway, Silver Dollar 2 on East Moody Boulevard in Bunnell, United Methodist Church in Flagler Beach, Dewey’s World in Daytona North, also known as the Mondex, Hammock First Baptist Church, and other locations. See Flagler County’s AA website here. Learn more about AA here. Read a daily reflection here.

Narcotics Anonymous has almost two dozen meetings throughout the week in the area, including at AdventHealth, Saint Mark’s by the Sea and Linear Park in Palm Coast, Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach, and the Sunshine Business Complex in Bunnell. Go here for a complete list.

For Palm Coast Alateen Sereniteen and Al-Anon meetings, go here.

For help with alcoholism or if you think you have a problem with alcohol you can contact the Flagler County Helpline at 386-445-help (386-445-4357). SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, SAMHSA will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. SAMHSA can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.

The East Flagler Mosquito Control District board meets at 10 a.m. at the district’s offices, 210 Airport Executive Drive (off Belle Terre Boulevard), Palm Coast.

The Buddy Taylor Middle School Advisory Council meets at 5 p.m. in the Eagle’s Quest Media Center, BTMS, 4500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast. The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a school-based group made up of school staff and parents and students intended to represent the school, the community, and the people closest to the students that shares the responsibility for supporting the school’s continuous improvement.

The Flagler County Commission meets at 5 p.m. at the Government Services Building, 1769 E Moody Blvd., Bunnell. See the agendas and background materials for meetings here, and watch or listen to meetings here.

Contact the commissioners by email:

• Charlie Ericksen (District 1)
• Greg Hansen (District 2)
• Dave Sullivan (District 3)
• Joe Mullins (District 4)
• Donald O’Brien (District 5)
• County Administrator Jerry Cameron
• County Attorney Al Hadeed

See the Flagler County District Map.

The Nar-Anon Family Group for those affected by someone else’s addiction meets at 6 p.m. at St Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, 303 Palm Coast Pkwy. There are no dues or fees. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. We’re never affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. Do you need Nar-Anon? Ask yourself these questions.

Addiction is a family disease. It affects the relationships of those close to the addict: parents, spouses, siblings, children, longtime friends, and employers.  If someone’s addiction is affecting you, first you must help yourself. Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts. There are no dues or fees to join. Just come to a meeting. You will hear others, who are going through similar problems, talk about how they cope and find recovery. Watch the video:

The Flagler Palm Coast High School Advisory Council meets at 7 p.m. in the Bulldog Learning Center

The Flagler Youth Orchestra performs its first concert of the 2019-20 season, Flagler Auditorium, 5500 East Hwy 100, Palm Coast, call 386-437-7547. 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.

Palm Coast Alateen Sereniteen and Al-Anon meetings: Alateen, part of Al-Anon Family Groups, is for teens bothered by someone else’s drinking. The group meets at 8 p.m. every Monday at Advent Health, 60 Memorial Medical Parkway, Palm Coast, at the south entrance, in meeting room D. Al-Anon meets at the same time. For more information about Alateen or Al-Anon, call toll free 1-888-4AL-ANON, or visit www.al-anon.org. Note: All Aalteen meetings are only open to teenagers who have been affected by another person’s drinking.

For AA and NA meetings in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell, go here.