Thursday Briefing: Vote For Office Divvy’s Grant, World’s Largest Swim Lesson at Frieda Zamba, Home Prices Stabilize

Today’s weather: mostly sunny, hot, high of 92, low 75. Details here.
Today’s fire danger is Low. Flagler County’s Drought Index is at 514
The weather in Tachon, North Korea: high 65, low 49. Details.
The OED’s Word of the Day: ostrichism, n.
The Live Community Calendar
Today’s jail bookings.

Today’s Briefing: Quick Links

• In Flagler and Palm Coast
• Local News Recap
• In Court
• In State Government
• Beyond
• PR Releases
• Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports
• Local Road and Interstate Construction
• In the Press
• In Coming Days in Flagler and Palm Coast
• Comment of the Day (From the Comment Section)
• Cultural Coda

In Flagler and Palm Coast:

Note: all government meetings noticed below are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

The Flagler County Economic Opportunity Council meets at 9 a.m. in board chambers at the Government Services Building in Bunnell. Robin King of CareerSource Flagler-Volusia provides a report on her agency’s latest, the same report provided the county commission earlier this week, and Rebecca DeLorenzo, president of the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce, provides a report of her own.

World’s largest swim lesson at Frieda Zamba Pool, 10 a.m.: Tens of thousands of participants from hundreds of locations around the globe, will team-up to help prevent childhood drowning by spreading the word Swimming Lessons Save Lives. We will all unite for the fifth annual event to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest swimming lesson ever conducted. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.

Florida Association of Counties 2015 Conference: Flagler County commissioners are expected to attend the annual junket, which runs from June 16 to the 19th, and this year takes place at Sawgrass Marriott Resort, 1000 PGA Tour Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach.

Volunteers Sought for Flagler Beach Boards: Flagler Beach government is seeking two volunteers to serve on its Personnel Advisory Board, and one volunteer to serve on its Economic Development Task Force. The city invites applicants to fill out an application form at its website, or you can click here for the application, which you can then send in or fax in to the city. The address is on the form. You can also scan it and email it in. Contact City Clerk Penny Overstreet for more information: (386)-517-2000 x233

Bradley Griese performs live at Center Stage, European Village, starting at 6 p.m.

Local News Recap:

Giuseppe Verdone Jr. Trial: The News-Journal’s Tony Holt has been keeping tabs on the week-long trial (thankfully for the rest of us), with the defense and prosecution close to wrapping up their case today, and jurors expected in Thursday afternoon at the Flagler County Courthouse to begin deliberations on Verdone’s fate. He faces five felony charges, all of them first degree felonies or worse, exposing him to life in prison if convicted. (Paywall-protected.)

The End of Phoenix: Divided School Board Votes to Replace It With STEM Academy at Wadsworth: The Flagler County School Board Tuesday, in a contentious 3-2 vote that reflected disapproval for the way the matter was handled, killed Phoenix Academy, the small, innovative school started by former Superintendent Bill Delbrugge. The school’s fate this fall isn;t entirely clear, but it is set to be replaced by the Flagler County STEM Academy at Wadsworth Elementary, which would serve 44 students in a school-within-a-school.

Flagler County’s Dust-Bowl Era Soil and Water Conservation Board Is Dissolved For Inaction: Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam dissolved the board last Sept. 11 because it hadn’t met in years and hadn’t fulfilled auditing and other obligations under the law. The fact emerged only this week as Supervisor of Elections Kati Lenhart was preparing for the coming election cycles, and she was notified by the state Department of Putnam’s action last September.

Tractor Trailer Crashes Into Three Parked, Empty School Buses on I-95: A tractor trailer on a route from Miami to Jacksonville crashed into three parked and empty school buses as the buses’ drivers were working on one of them on the side of I-95 just north of the Palm Coast Parkway exit at 11 p.m. Tuesday. The school buses had been gutted and had no seats in them, and were used to transport watermelons, but had no cargo. Two of the three bus drivers were taken to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach, one of them in critical condition, the other in serious condition. The driver of the semi sustained only minor injuries and was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler and was soon released.

Clinton Still Leads Rubio and Bush in Florida, But Most Voters Call Her Dishonest: In all three swing states-Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania–more than half the voters say Clinton is neither trustworthy nor honest (51 percent in Florida, 53 percent in Ohio, 54 percent in Pennsylvania). That’s a reflection of her perceived role in the Benghazi affair, though a Republican congressional panel cleared her of wrongdoing, and more notably in her decision to conduct all her email business from her personal account when she was secretary of state, before deleting all those documents. Rubio’s record of financial mismanagement and Bush’s own use of a private email server for public business have not hurt either of them as much so far.

In Court:

The trial of Giuseppe Verdone heads into jury deliberation, with Circuit Judge J. David Walsh on the bench. Verdone faces kidnapping, aggravated battery, armed robbery, and armed burglary charges stemming from his alleged car-jacking of a Chinese restaurant delivery driver in 2013, and his driving out of state with an underage girl. The prosecution calls more witnesses this morning. The defense then makes its case. 9 a.m. in Courtroom 401. (See a fuller story here.)

The Florida Supreme Court releases opinions at 11 a.m.

In State Government:

Note: Most proceedings below can be followed live on the Florida Channel.

Legislature: The House and Senate are in floor sessions at 10 a.m.

FPL Drilling: The state Public Service Commission will consider how to handle future Florida Power & Light proposals to invest in natural-gas production, after giving approval last year to a controversial FPL investment in an Oklahoma drilling project. FPL wants the commission to approve guidelines that could help govern the utility’s involvement in additional drilling projects. (9:30 a.m.)

The state university system’s Board of Governors will take up a series of issues, including improvement plans submitted by Florida Atlantic University, New College of Florida and the University of West Florida. (10:45 a.m., or upon completion of committee meetings, University of South Florida, Marshall Student Center, Tampa.)

Beyond:

Women’s World Cup: The women are off today and back in action Saturday with the start of elimination rounds. In Copa America, it’s Peru v Venezuela (7:30 p.m., BeInsports1).

PR Releases:

Help Palm Coast’s Office Divvy Land a Small-Business Grant:

To vote, go here.

Flagler’s Lynette Shott Among Leadership Academy Graduates Recognized by Commissioner Stewart: Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart on June 16 recognized 147 graduates of the Commissioner’s Leadership Academy. Stewart was joined by State Board of Education Chair Marva Johnson, Chancellor of K-12 Public Schools Hershel Lyons, and Deputy Chancellor for Educator Quality Brian Dassler. “My enthusiastic congratulations to this year’s Leadership Academy graduates,” said Stewart. “These school leaders learned innovative and essential strategies to improve teacher and student success, and I look forward to seeing how they apply their knowledge to make positive change in their schools.” Dr. Elaine Liftin from the Council for Educational Change welcomed the graduates and district leaders to the ceremony and deliver opening remarks. The graduation ceremony marks the end of a year-long rigorous professional development program for Florida principals, principal supervisors and education leaders. The job-embedded and research-based program includes three institutes and five school site “learning walks” with a regional cohort to practice instructional leadership skills, focusing on increased knowledge and skills to improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement. The project is a collaborative effort between the Florida Department of Education, the University of Washington’s Center for Educational Leadership and the Council for Educational Change. Educators were nominated by their district superintendents as leaders who could rise to the challenge.

84 Brookside Lane in Palm Coast Wins Beautification Award: At the March meeting of the Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee (BEAC) an award was given to Larry and Eva Wright for their work in improving the landscaping at their home located at 84 Brookside Lane. The award was entitled, “We Noticed Your Efforts”, and the BEAC considered it to be worthy of mention. The owner’s intent was not to bring attention or accolades to themselves, but to act as an encouragement to others in their neighborhood to spruce up and improve the looks of their homes. The City hopes that the Wright’s intentions are considered by all in the city.

Flagler Sheriff Welcomes New Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) Assistant: The Sheriff’s Office and PAL Director Kim Hale welcomed their newest employee to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday morning. Sheriff Manfre administered the Oath of Office to Lauren Bennett during a morning ceremony held at the Sheriff’s Operation Center. Bennett has been selected as the P.A.L. Assistant and will be working on a part-time basis. The Flagler Sheriff’s P.A.L. is a youth program designed to instill positive values and reduce juvenile crime. P.A.L. offers quality programs and activities which contribute to the character, integrity, physical and mental fitness, citizenship, sportsmanship and personal well-being of Flagler County’s youth. “The Sheriff’s Office is hoping to expand the P.A.L. program to better serve the community and Ms. Bennett will assist with all P.A.L. related functions,” said Sheriff James L. Manfre. For more information about Flagler Sheriff’s P.A.L., please visit www.flaglersheriffspal.org or call 386-586-2655.

Palm Coast installs first of new LED residential street lights: As part of the Palm Coast City Council’s new direction to utilize LED (light-emitting diode) as a street-lighting option in Palm Coast, the first LED residential street light has been installed on White Star Drive at the intersection of White Place. The city is taking a conservative approach to evaluating the benefits of LED for its residential street-lighting program. For now, the city’s existing 2,900 street lights will not be retrofitted to LED. But the approximately 20 new street lights installed each year will be LED. Then, the city will review cost and energy savings and get feedback from residents before deciding whether to start a full program of conversion of its existing street lights. “This is an opportunity to break into LED technology as a step toward meeting the city’s goals for protecting the natural environment and providing citizens a high quality of life,” said Don Schrager, Palm Coast Stormwater System Specialist, who has been working with Florida Power & Light on the City’s street-lighting system. “This is a chance to improve residents’ quality of life through a planned, interpretive approach using available technology. We want to try LED and then evaluate the true, real-world benefits to determine if this is a good fit for Palm Coast.” Palm Coast previously partnered with FPL on a pilot study for LED street lighting along westbound Palm Coast Parkway between Brushwood Lane and U.S. 1. That study began in 2012 and found that LED street lighting is more environmental friendly (no mercury) and costs less in power costs over time. That study led to FPL offering LED as an alternative its standard street lighting. Palm Coast has a balanced philosophy for street lighting – a combination of street lighting for safe navigation, but also limited street lighting in residential areas to prevent light pollution and maintain a more natural setting. About 20 new street lights are put up in residential neighborhoods each year, in addition to new street lights added during city street improvement projects. Two additional LED residential street lights have been approved and will be installed soon. The city considers installation of street lights in residential areas when a homeowner requests it and, if it is determined that it meets the city’s criteria related to location and safety, the installation is approved. Intersections, crosswalks and school bus stops are given top priority. For a full explanation of the criteria, visit this website.

Palm Coast Construction and Development Progress Reports:

The following is an update of ongoing construction and development projects in Palm Coast, through June 12:

Development Order for 5,000 square-foot Palm Coast Medical Office: The Planning Department reviewed and approved a site plan for Palm Coast Medical Office. This 5,000 square foot medical office project is on a one-acre, vacant commercial site located at 1270 Palm Coast Parkway NW. See the rendering below.

Beautification Plan for Flagler Palm Coast High School: Beautification plan for the front buffer of Flagler Palm Coast High School is underway. City crews have begun stripping dead sod and weeds from the area in front of the high school to make way for new sod, shrubs, trees and irrigation in order to continue the beautification that was done on Bulldog Drive. This is part of the improvement of one of our more traveled entrances to the City, which also includes the new brick Town Center signs that were constructed by Palm Coast Holdings. Work will continue this summer and be finished before school starts in the fall.

Island Walk Shopping Center (Former Palm Harbor Shopping Center), 80 percent done: A 3rd Grease Interceptor has been installed behind the new buildings on the west end of the project. Three sewer wyes have been installed to serve the Grease Interceptors.

Palm Coast Parkway Six-Laning is 78 percent done: Widening on the north side of the parkway continues. Landscape irrigation work continues. Utility connection tie-ins has begun. Conducted site inspection with FPL in prepartion for street light installation to begin 6-22-15. The old 10″ water main into the shopping center near Bob Evans has been disconnected and removed from service and will be grout filled. The 12″ main going into the shopping center near Bob Evans on Palm Coast Parkway has been tired into the new 16″ Water main c.

Royal Palms Parkway Improvements, 98 percent done: Forthcoming CO to add curb and gutter with flumes for control of stormwater at both Rymfire and Rickenbacker NE corners. Punch list items. Concrete work completed at Belle Terre
intersection.

Holland Park, 18 percent done: Rough grading of site. Began installation of new water lines in ball field area. The 1″ water line installation around the Soccer Field for drinking water fountains have started.

Palm Coast City Hall at Town Center, 54 percent done: Installation of drywall of interior walls, mechanical duct work installation, electrical conduit rough-in and fire sprinkler piping continues. Installation of exterior windows and exterior wall trim continues. Grading and layout for parking area has begun. Painting of exterior walls has begun. See ongoing images of construction here.

Shops at Pine Lakes Convenience Store, 65 percent done: The package Pump Station has been set and plumbing continues. Contractor has installed the Force main into the existing manhole on Wynnfield Drive. The road lane closure for the manhole core to install the force main was completed
and the road has been repaired.

Walmart Addition, 30 percent done: A new Grease Interceptor has been installed replacing the old one outside the new building addition.

Old Kings Road Utilities Work: This week, a Water Distribution crew dug up the existing 10” water main on Old Kings Road, North and installed a new valve. This will allow shut-down of the main so it can be removed and replaced with a new line at a new location in preparation of the Old Kings Road realignment and extension that will be done by the County. The water main relocation is a joint project
being completed by Utility and Public Works crews.

In the Press, In the News:

Wal-Mart hides $76 billion in overseas tax havens while taxpayers help feed low-wage workers: “l-Mart Stores Inc. was able to avoid paying $3.5 billion in taxes last year by owning $76 billion of its assets in overseas tax havens, a study found this week. United Food & Commercial Workers International Union research published by Americans for Tax Fairness on Wednesday showed that Wal-Mart had created more than 78 offshore subsidiaries and branches since 2009 that the company had not disclosed in U.S. securities filings, Bloomberg reported. According to the study, 90 percent of the overseas assets owned by Wal-Mart were through two of the most popular tax havens in the world, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Although the company has no stores in Luxembourg, it reported $1.3 billion profits in the country between 2010 and 2013, which were taxed at a rate of less than 1 percent.” From Raw Story.

House rejects withdrawal from ISIS war: “The House voted resoundingly Wednesday to keep troops stationed abroad fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) despite the absence of a formal congressional authorization for military action against the group. In the first vote of its kind since the Obama administration began airstrikes 10 months ago, the House defeated a resolution requiring the president to remove troops within the next six months. The vote was 139-288. Nineteen Republicans and 120 Democrats voted for the measure. Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) voted “present.”
Rep. Jim McGovern’s (D-Mass.) resolution would require removal of troops in Iraq and Syria within 30 days. But the deadline could have been pushed to the end of 2015 if the Obama administration determined it would not be safe to do so in a shorter timeframe. The vote did not split along the usual party lines. A majority of Democrats and Republicans opposed the measure, while a smaller bipartisan coalition joined together in voting for it.” From The Hill.

After an Era of Ups and Downs, Home Prices Return to Sanity: “In contrast to the periods of irrational optimism and pessimism, the market is settling into a balance in which buyers are comfortable spending what they can afford given their income and savings, but aren’t willing (or able to persuade lenders) to stretch beyond that. Among buyers there is neither a sense of desperation to buy now on the assumption prices will rise rapidly, nor of fear they will plummet. For a while in 2013 and early 2014, national home prices were rising at a double-digit percentage rate, which if sustained could have rapidly led housing back to its bubble-era extremes. But the reality — of caution on the part of home buyers and their lenders — soon set in. In the 12 months ended in March, the S.&P. Case-Shiller national home price index rose only 4.1 percent, not much higher than the rise in Americans’ incomes and broadly consistent with longer-term trends. […] Prices have risen faster than incomes and rents since the beginning of the last decade, and by those measures remain high by historical standards. But a downward march in mortgage rates has made housing more affordable on a typical American’s income.” From The Times.

Jon Stewart Thanks Donald Trump for Making His Last 6 Weeks the Best Ever:

The Daily Show
Daily Show Full Episodes,  More Daily Show Videos,  Comedy Central Full Episodes

Fallon: “Slow Jam The News” with Jeb Bush:

From Slate’s L.V. Anderson: “I am generally skeptical of late-night hosts who invite politicians in for softball interviews, thereby allowing said politicians to appear laid-back and self-deprecating while muddling the distinction between news and entertainment. So I was predisposed to dislike Jeb Bush’s recent appearance on Jimmy Fallon, in which Bush “slow-jammed the news” of his presidential campaign announcement. But in spite of myself, I smiled during the segment, which was awkward but charming in its way. Bush was all canned soundbites and wooden demeanor (as the sketch more or less demands), but Fallon and the Roots’ Tariq did their best to make him crack a smile with a veritable river of double entendres. Fallon’s “hard-hitting interview” might not be good for political discourse, but it wasn’t bad for comedy.” Watch:

Road and Interstate Construction:

Palm Coast:

Palm Coast Parkway at I-95 Closed: From 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 through 7 a.m. Thursday, June 11, motorists and other travelers should expect eastbound and westbound lane closures along Palm Coast Parkway on the I-95 overpass between the I-95 southbound on ramp and the I-95 northbound exit ramp. A lane will remain open eastbound and westbound. These lane closures are required for the contractor to perform barrier wall operations.

Matanzas Woods Parkway closed: Matanzas Woods Parkway is closed until early August for construction of the Interstate 95 interchange. The portion of Matanzas Woods Parkway that spans I-95 will be reconstructed to accommodate four single-lane ramps for on and off access to the interstate. Other improvements include the widening of the interstate to accommodate new acceleration and deceleration lanes, wet detention ponds adjacent to the roadway, sidewalks, lighting, overhead signs and landscaping. Project details are available and regularly updated at http://www.matanzas95interchange.com. The detour map is available here.

Lane closure for Palm Coast Parkway June 8-12: The lane closures along Palm Coast Parkway and Boulder Rock Drive are set for 8 p.m. Monday, June 8, to 7 a.m. Friday, June 12. The northbound thru lane on Boulder Rock Drive from Palm Coast Parkway will be closed and traffic will be shifted into the southbound lane of Boulder Rock Drive. Additionally there will be only one left turn lane open from Palm Coast Parkway eastbound onto Boulder Rock Drive. A uniformed law enforcement officer will be on-site to direct traffic into the southbound lane on to Boulder Rock Drive. The existing two left turn lanes from Boulder Rock Drive will modified to allow one thru lane and one left turn lane. Motorists are encouraged to watch for flaggers and work zone signs. The lane closure is required in order for the contractor to install a water main across Boulder Rock Drive.

Palm Coast Parkway between Cypress Point Parkway and Florida Park Drive. IMPACTS: Lane shifts and closures will occur and this may cause traffic congestion on this already busy roadway. Most construction work will occur between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. though weather and unforeseen issues may adjust the schedules. This project will be complete by December 2015.”

Volusia: I-4 Widening from SR 44 to east of I-95, Monday and Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Eastbound/Westbound shoulder closing. Sunday through Thursday, Eastbound and Westbound lane closures as needed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday, 9:00 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. EB road closure between Canal St./SR 44 and I-95 with detour at US 92 exit ramp.Motorists should be aware of traffic shifts near Canal St./SR 44.

• Palm Coast Parkway Project Website
• Florida Department of Transportation Road Project List
• County Road 304 Project Map and Description

In Coming Days:

June 19: Sally’s Safe Haven Open House, 103 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell.

Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Flagler County Children Through Seamless Summer Freeding:  The Flagler County Schools, Food & Nutrition Services Department is please to announce that free breakfast and lunch meals will be made available at no charge to all children in the community who are 18 years of age and under. Free meals will be available at the following sites from June 8th – August 14th and closed on July 3rd. Closed site means it’s just for children who are attending camp through the school location. An open site means anyone can come in and have a meal. Menus available online at FlaglerSchools.Nutrislice.com.

Bunnell Elementary – Closed Site: 800 East Howe Street Bunnell, Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Lunch from  11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Imagine School – Open Site:  775 Town Center Blvd Palm Coast,  Breakfast from 9 to 9:30 a.m., lunch 12:30 p.m. 
Versie Lee Mitchell Community Center – Open Site: 405 E Drain Street,  Bunnell, Breakfast, 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., Lunch, 12:30 p.m.
Wadsworth Elementary School – Open Site: 4550 Belle Terre Parkway Palm Coast, Breakfast, 8 a.m to 9:45 a.m. , Lunch, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Reverse Church – Open Site: 4601 East Moody Blvd. Bunnell, Breakfast, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information call or email Amy Holstein, Food Service S Specialist for Flagler County Schools, 386-437-7526 x1305 or by email, [email protected]

June 23: The Estate Planning Council of the Fun Coast Host ‘Understanding Hospice Care in Our Community’ Event: The event will be held at the Holiday Inn Express, LPGA Daytona Beach, located at 137 Automall Circle, Daytona Beach from 8 to 10 a.m. The event will host a panel with representatives from all five local hospice care providers who will educate attendees on what Hospice is, the services offered, when a client would qualify for hospice, how the referral system works with hospice, and what insurance/Medicare/Medicaid covers (and doesn’t cover). Attorney Scott Selis, President of the Estate Planning Council of the Fun Coast, will be the moderator and panel participants from Florida Hospital Hospice Care, Haven Hospice, Gentiva Hospice, Halifax Health Hospice, and VITAS Healthcare will participate. The panelist will give a brief summary of the services and programs they offer above and beyond the standard level of care, and how they work with families and patients. Guests are welcome, attendees do not need to be EPCFC members. Attendees who RSVP are invited to submit questions that will be asked to each panel member. If time permits there will also be a question and answer session. Cost is $20, payable at the door. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling Kimberly Selis at 386-445-8900, extension 22, or emailing her at [email protected]. The Estate Planning Council of the Fun Coast is an interdisciplinary organization for professionals involved in estate planning. They strive to foster understanding of the proper relationship between the functions of the life underwriter, trust officer, attorney, accountant, financial planner, and any other party or parties having to do with estate planning, and to encourage co-operation of persons acting under those disciplines. The president is Scott Selis and they can be reached at 386-453-5934. For more information, visit http://www.epcfuncoast.org.

June 24, Veterans Pancake Breakfast: Meet with fellow Veterans and chat over breakfast, Wednesday, June 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Princeton Village, 100 Magnolia Trace Way, Palm Coast. To confirm your attendance or for more information call Laura Zublionis 386-206-9730.

June 27: The Ham Radio operators of the Flagler Emergency Communications Association, licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, will establish a nationwide communications platform simulating emergency conditions for 24 hours beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27th at the Flagler Beach Fire Department Headquarters, 320 South Flagler Avenue, Flagler Beach, Florida 32136. The simulation is part of the American Radio Relay League’s National Field Day, Tours of the operation and an opportunity to learn more about Ham Radio are available throughout the simulation period and are free to the public on a “drop by” basis, no advance arrangements are necessary, all are welcome.

June 27: Safety F.I.R.S.T. and Playing It Safe! Expo Set for June 27th in Palm Coast: The fourth annual Hurricane Expo has been renamed the Safety F.I.R.S.T. & Playing It Safe! Expo, and is scheduled for June 27th in Palm Coast. “This expo will cover all aspects of personal safety including information for seniors and children, as well as fire, wind and flood preparedness vendors, educational classes, information and demonstrations,” said event organizer Julia Fuentes. “This is a great opportunity to educate community members, young and old, about injury prevention.” The event will take place at the Legacy Academy located at 515 Palm Coast Pkwy, SW, in Palm Coast, FL on June 27th from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free and free hot dogs will be served to children under 12 years old. The event is accepting sponsorships and vendors of all types. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to educate residents on what type of services they offer and encourage attendees to buy local during an emergency. Expo partners include Flagler Parent Magazine, Serendipity Living LLC, and My Safe and Sound Home Inc. The event is endorsed by the EOC and local municipalities. There will be family fun activities including face painting, bounce houses, balloon art, a pet zone, a bike and helmet check and more. A range of topics appealing to all age groups will be offered, such as fire safety, home safety, wind mitigation, elderly fall prevention, child passenger safety, correct CPR methods, pet preparedness and everyday personal safety. Parents can learn about poison prevention, childproofing your home, how to prepare for their families for any disaster situation. Educational classes will be hosted by The Flagler County Emergency Center, Palm Coast, Bunnell, and Flagler Beach Cities, the Homebuilders Association, My Safe & Sound Home Inc./Safety-Pulse and private sector community providers. A drive thru car seat safety checks will be available from the City of Palm Coast Fire Department. Visitors will be able to build their own first-aid kit; learn water safety; tour fire trucks; watch demonstrations conducted by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department, Florida Hospital Decontamination Team; Flagler County Emergency Management and the Division of Forestry’s Smokey Bear. Kids can experience the City Of Palm Coast’s fire safety house. Classroom sponsorships to presenting sponsorships are available and details can be found at http://www.prepfirst.org, or by calling 904-377-4037.

June 30: Social Media Day and Entrepreneur Night in Palm Coast: Palm Coast government declared June 30 Social Media Day, Mashable, which conceived the international event, highlighted Palm Coast’s role, and of course Palm Coast’s Office Divvy is marking the occasion on June 30. ” “With this proclamation and the event on June 30th,” Office Divvy’s Lisa Ekinci says, “we are putting our red dot on the map for Palm Coast and Flagler County; and creating a differentiator for our community as a socially savvy community in Florida, in these United States and in the World,” Ekinci said. Hashtag for the local event is #SMDayPC and hashtag for the worldwide event is #SMDay2015 Event will be celebrated at COWORK by Office Divvy on Tuesday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. RSVP are required here.

Flagler Chamber Seeks Applicants for Leadership Flagler’s 23rd Class: The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for Leadership Flagler, a program that nurtures and engages the leadership skills of potential and current community leaders. Now in its 23rd year, the three-month program provides insight about Flagler County’s operations, attributes, issues and opportunities, while inspiring participants to take active roles as stewards of and advocates for positive change within the community. Ten to 15 candidates representing Flagler County’s diverse professional community are selected to participate each year. An alumni council of Leadership Flagler graduates oversees the program, selects participants and develops curriculum. Starting in late August, classes meet Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. until noon with sessions on business, government, health and human services, art and culture, education, agriculture and growth management. Class members are expected to comply with the program’s attendance policy, and to complete a group community service project prior to graduation. Past Leadership Flagler Classes have supported literacy programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Flagler County and Josh Crews Writing Project, and Youth Leadership Flagler, a program created by Leadership Flagler 20 now in its third year of inspiring future leaders at the high school level. As a special incentive this year, the Chamber is offering an early bird tuition rate of $350 before July 31 for current members and $500 for future members. These rates will increase by $100 for participants that sign up after July 31. If you are an aspiring leader, don’t miss this once a year opportunity! Simply complete the application for Leadership Flagler 23 and return it to the Chamber before the deadline Friday, July 31. Leadership Flagler is one of nearly 700 programs nationwide devoted to shaping high-profile community leaders. Since its start in 1993, Leadership Flagler has graduated more than 230 professionals. For more information, call Rebecca DeLorenzo or Gretchen Smith at 386.437.0106.

Leadership Flagler Application, Class of 2015

Swimming lessons and lifeguard classes available at Frieda Zamba Swimming Pool: The summer swimming season is under way – and it’s so important in Florida for every member of the family to learn to swim. The City of Palm Coast offers a full lineup of swimming lessons at Frieda Zamba Swimming Pool, 339 Parkview Drive. All classes are taught under the supervision of a Red Cross-certified swim instructor. In addition, the City is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard class at the City pool from Saturday through Tuesday, June 13-16, and space is still available in the class. Class hours vary each day. The sessions will offer the most current training in lifeguarding, first aid, CPR for the professional rescuer, and AED (automated external defibrillator) for youths, ages 15 and older. Fees are $160. For more info, call 386-986-4741 or register online: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. For swimming lessons, registration is now open, and the City is offering $5 off one session of lessons if registration is completed online at: www.palmcoastgov.com/register. Use the code SWIM15 to receive the discount. (Prices for each session shown below.) Class size is limited, so register soon. The first two sessions are under way, with three sessions still available. Learn to Swim swimming lessons are available for all ages and levels. A Learn to Swim program flier with a full description of each class is available at: www.palmcoastgov.com/pool. The schedule of classes that still have openings is as follows:
Session 3 – Monday through Thursday*, June 15-25
Parent and Child 5:30-6 p.m. $30
Learn to Swim Level 3 6:15-7 p.m. $55
Session 4 – Monday through Thursday*, July 6-16
Water Babies* 9:30-10 a.m. (*Monday-Wednesday) $30
Parent and Child 9:30-10 a.m. $30
Learn to Swim Level 1 10-10:30 a.m. $45
Learn to Swim Level 2 10:30-11 a.m. $45
Learn to Swim Level 3 11:15 a.m.-Noon $55
Session 5 – Monday through Thursday*, July 20-30
Water Babies* 9:30-10 a.m. (*Monday-Wednesday) $30
Parent and Child 9:30-10 a.m. $30
Learn to Swim Level 1 10-10:30 a.m. $45
Learn to Swim Level 2 10:30-11 a.m. $45
Learn to Swim Level 3 10:30-11:15 a.m. $55
Private lessons are also available, with instruction tailored to the skill level of the participant, from beginner to advanced level. Semi-private lessons are available for two students of similar skill level per instructor. Those lessons are arranged by appointment only. The fees are: $25 for a private 30-minute lesson and $20 per student for a semi-private 30-minute lesson. For more information, call the pool at 386-986-4741.

Registration opens for 2015 Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games: Active older adults can now sign up for the second annual Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games – offering competition in 14 sports. The Senior Games, presented by Florida Hospital Flagler Health Partners, Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, will be held Sept. 12 to 19. The Seniors Games are open to men and women ages 50 and up. Registration is $15 and includes a T-shirt and participation in one sports event; participation in each additional sports event is $5. Competition is offered in eight different age categories. “The tradition of the Senior Games is to offer fun, fellowship, fitness and competition, and that is a perfect match for Palm Coast and our surrounding community with our area’s emphasis on active lifestyle and recreation,” said Palm Coast Director of Parks & Recreation Luanne Santangelo. “Please join us in making our second annual Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games even bigger and better than last year’s.” To register, visit www.palmcoastgov.com/seniorgames for the registration form. Mail the form with payment to Palm Coast Parks & Recreation, attn.: Senior Games Coordinator Ginger Parnell, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast, FL 32137. Or drop it off Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, or email it to [email protected]. Checks should be payable to: City of Palm Coast. Eleven of the 14 sports being offered in the local Senior Games this year are sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation, with the Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games serving as a qualifier for the Florida Senior Games State Championships.

This year’s Palm Coast & the Flagler Beaches Senior Games sanctioned events are:
· Archery: Sept. 19; at Indian Trails Middle School fields, 5505 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast
· 5K Road Race: Sept. 12; at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Pkwy. NE, Palm Coast
· Basketball: Date to be announced; at Flagler Palm Coast High School 5500 E. State Road 100, Palm Coast
· Horseshoes: Sept. 16; at Old Dixie Community Park on North Old Dixie Highway, Bunnell
· Softball: Sept. 12-19; at Flagler County Ball Fields, 2298 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell
· Pickleball: Sept. 17; at Belle Terre Park Tennis Center, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast
· Tennis: Sept. 14-15; at Palm Coast Tennis Center, 1290 Belle Terre Pkwy., Palm Coast
· Table Tennis: Date to be announced; at Flagler Palm Coast High School, 5500 E. State Road 100, Palm Coast
· Indoor Volleyball: Date to be announced; at Flagler Palm Coast High School, 5500 E. State Road 100, Palm Coast
· Golf: Sept. 16; at Palm Harbor Golf Club, at 20 Palm Harbor Drive, Palm Coast
· Cycling: Sept. 13; at Wadsworth Park, 101-145 Connecticut Ave., Flagler Beach

Additional, non-sanctioned events in the competition include:
· Ballroom Dancing: Sept. 13; at Matanzas High School Pirate Theater, 3535 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Swing, Rumba and Cha Cha)
· Powerlifting (Ages 18+): Sept. 12; at Matanzas High School Field House, 3535 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast
· Golf Croquet: Sept. 12; at Ralph Carter Park, 1385 Rymfire Drive, Palm Coast

For more information, visit www.palmcoastgov.com/seniorgames or call Palm Coast Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323.

Comment of the Day (From the Comment Section):

Snapperhead, in the column, “To Fight Obesity, Get Government Involved: Taxes, Regulations, Education,” which has generated a higher proportion of notable comments than usual: “”Fresh fruits and vegetables and lean cuts of meats and fish cost many times what unhealthy processed foods do.” Not true…I changed eating habits a few months ago to lose weight and buy only lean chicken breast, pork, fish, green veggies, fruits, nuts,eggs,cheese,turkey bacon and burgers. I spend the same amount now as I did when I was buying frozen pizza,frozen dinners and other processed junk foods. I’ve lost 40 pounds in 5 months just by changing my eating habits. Eating healthier hasn’t cost me any more in my experience and has added benefits…I sleep better, no more acid reflux, no sugar crash/ from all the added corn syrup/starches in processed food. Food doesn’t have to be taxed nor education increased except for younger children maybe…people have more access to food information than we’ve ever had. people just need to stop making bad choices and realize food is supposed to be fuel for your body, not look pretty and taste sweet and delicious. I work with a guy that spends $7-$10 a day every day at lunch at Wendy’s or subway etc …he weighs about 325lbs….for that kind of money he could prepare something way more healthier for himself, but it’s the convenience of going thru a drive thru or take out that probably makes it his first choice.” Respond to Snapperhead here.

Cultural Coda:

An Excerpt from Nabokov’s “Speak, Memory” (1951):

I witness with pleasure the supreme achievement of memory, which is the masterly use it makes of innate harmonies when gathering to its fold the suspended and wandering tonalities of the past. I like to imagine, in consummation and resolution of those jangling chords, something as enduring, in retrospect, as the long table that on summer birthdays and namedays used to be laid for afternoon chocolate out of doors, in an alley of birches, limes and maples at its debouchment on the smooth sanded space of the garden proper that separated the park and the house. I see the tablecloth and the faces of seated people sharing in the animation of light and shade beneath a moving, a fabulous foliage, exaggerated, no doubt, by the same faculty of impassioned commemoration, of ceaseless return, that makes me always approach that banquet table from the outside, from the depth of the park —as if the mind, in order to go back thither, had to do so with the silent steps of a prodigal, faint with excitement.

Through a tremulous prism, I distinguish the features of relatives and familiars, mute lips serenely moving in forgotten speech. I see the steam of the chocolate and the plates of blueberry tarts. I note the small helicopter of a revolving samara that gently descends upon the tablecloth, and, lying across the table, an adolescent girl’s bare arm indolently extended as far as it will go, with its turquoise-veined underside turned up to the flaky sunlight, the palm open in lazy expectancy of something —perhaps the nutcracker. In the place where my current tutor sits, there is a changeful image, a succession of fade-ins and fade-outs; the pulsation of my thought mingles with that of the leaf shadows and turns Ordo into Max and Max into Lenski and Lenski into the schoolmaster, and the whole array of trembling, transformations is repeated.

And then, suddenly, just when the colors and outlines settle at last to their various duties —smiling, frivolous duties —some knob is touched and a torrent of sounds comes to life: voices speaking all together, a walnut cracked, the click of a nutcracker carelessly passed, thirty human hearts drowning mine with their regular beats; the sough and sigh of a thousand trees, the local concord of loud summer birds, and, beyond the river, behind the rhythmic trees, the confused and enthusiastic hullabaloo of bathing young villagers, like a background of wild applause.