New York – Galleria d’Arte in Palm Coast will host an exhibit of the work of painter, Marsha Tidy, opening on November 1st, with reception on Nov. 13th from 4-7pm. The exhibit will include a variety of Tidy’s new work, and includes portraits, plein air and figurative works in oil and pastels. Galleria d’Arte is located at 230 Saint Joe Plaza Drive, Palm Coast and is open by appointment only for in-person viewing. Contact Lisette Otero-Lewis, at 386.585.4191 or text 601.497.2899 for more details.
“Owning a portrait work of Tidy’s is like having a friend who we can identify with. Her extraordinary paintings of everyday ordinary people, reminds each one of us how important human connection is to the soul. It is to know that as ordinary people, we all have and live extraordinary lives. – Lisette Otero-Lewis
Tidy, a New York City native, is a fine-arts graduate of School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Her work has been exhibited in solo shows in New York galleries, and she has won competitions in four states. Tidy has also worked as a set designer for several off-Broadway theater productions, and as a finisher specializing in faux marble and Venetian plaster. Her bespoke murals adorn the walls of many New York metropolitan area residents and their children.
Her commercial mural clients include the McDonalds Corporation (for which she designed and executed a mural based on Matisse’s The Dance), American Express and Sunglass Hut, for which she created the prototype design and personally executed installations in over 250 stores across North America. After working commercially for a number of years, Tidy has returned to figurative work in several mediums.
Lisette Otero-Lewis, holds a BA in Arts and MA in Fine Art Photography. She is the gallerist for Galleria d’Arte which has been open since October 2020.
Palm Coast – Thirteen Palm Coast residents graduated from the 50th session of the Palm Coast Citizens Academy on Tuesday, October 19th, at the City Council meeting.
This session of the Palm Coast Citizens Academy began on September 20th and completed on October 18th. The graduates include Luis Rodriguez, Muriel Rodriguez, Mike Tranchida, Emma Sledge, Michael Massucco, Grissely Martinez, Chris Nakabaale, Brenda Rosa, Joseph Michael O’Shea, Mickey Ulmer, Belinda Mason-Rush, Karen Sousa, and Kelli Patton. All participants received certificates and a commemorative t-shirt.
The Palm Coast Citizens Academy is a comprehensive program intended to educate residents on the ins-and-outs of the City government. The course is free and registration is limited to approximately 25 Palm Coast citizens per session.
The five-week session takes participants through an in-depth look at City departments including Utilities, Stormwater and Engineering, Financial Services, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Public Works, the Fire Department, and more! Along the way, participants also interact with all members of the Palm Coast City Council and the City Manager.
“The Palm Coast Citizens Academy has been a cherished event through all City departments for years as it allows them to showcase the service they provide to citizens and engage with residents,” Mayor David Alfin said. “I look forward to 50 more sessions of this program and encourage anyone who has not yet participated to sign up! It is a wonderful way to learn more about the inner workings of your local government!”
For residents whose schedules don’t allow for the in-person Citizen’s Academy, the City also offers a Virtual Citizen’s Academy. Visit www.palmcoastgov.com/palm-coasters/citizens-academy/virtual. The Virtual Citizen’s Academy includes an overview of the City government and separate modules on each of the City’s departments.
Media Release: Brittany N. Kershaw, Director Public Information & Engagement
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida Seaports have open capacity and can meet holiday demand, while other seaports across the country are struggling to keep up. Governor DeSantis made the announcement at JAXPORT, where he was joined by Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault and Florida Seaport executives. Seaports including JAXPORT, Port Everglades, Port Tampa Bay and Port Panama City all have availability to handle more cargo.
At the event, JAXPORT announced that they will be offering incentives to any company that chooses to bring its business to the port, freeing up backlogs at other ports while ensuring Americans are able to receive the goods they order faster. Governor DeSantis was able to make the announcement that Florida Seaports are able to meet demand because Florida has continuously invested in its seaports.
“Year after year we continue to invest in our seaports, in infrastructure and in workforce education to make sure our supply chain is resilient,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I’m especially proud of Florida’s seaports. They are crown jewels in our state. While other U.S. ports are just now announcing around-the-clock operations, in Florida many of our ports are used to serving Florida farmers, families and businesses with 24 hour operations. As the rest of the nation faces rampant inflation and businesses stare down unprecedented supply chain problems, our message is this: Florida is here, we have capacity, we have incentive packages to help businesses who want to move here and we are going to make sure Americans get their Christmas Gifts this season.”
The full announcement can be viewed here and is available for use, courtesy Governor’s Press Office.
Since 2019, Florida has invested nearly $1 billion into its seaports to ensure there is capacity to serve as much cargo as possible. The state has also invested in infrastructure to make sure roadways are capable of handling the demand of today’s freight movements. As an example of the state’s commitment to improving freight logistics, the Florida Department of Transportation is scheduled to invest an additional $200 million in infrastructure improvements over the next few years to ensure there are no significant logjams or freight movement delays.
“The Governor has displayed tremendous leadership in continuing to recognize the value our seaports provide in meeting the mission of safely moving goods throughout the region,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “The partnership we have with our deepwater seaports uniquely positions Florida to be that much needed destination to get goods to market and overcome the delays seen at other locations.”
As Florida welcomes more business and has capacity to take on more cargo at ports, the nation is facing supply-chain issues, the likes of which have not been seen in decades. As a result of the supply-chain problems, the country is facing out-of-control inflation:
Last week, the Social Security Administration announced that its beneficiaries will see a 5.9 percent increase in their benefits – the largest boost to benefits in close to four decades;
This year, gas prices reached the highest level since 2014;
The year-over-year increase in food prices is the highest in 10 years; and
Overall, the U.S. inflation rate matched the highest rate since the financial crisis of 2008.
Florida’s unique geographical presence positions the state to accept diverted cargo from locations limited by supply chain delays and lost productivity. With major cargo seaports with additional capacity like JAXPORT and Port Everglades along the Atlantic Coast, or Port Tampa Bay and Port Panama City within the Gulf of Mexico, Florida seaports can save Christmas during the busy holiday season.
Media Release: Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Food Truck Tuesdays is presented by the City of Palm Coast on the third Tuesday of every other month starting in March and ending in November. Held at Central Park in Town Center attendees will enjoy gourmet food served out of trucks from 5-8:00 p.m. The Food Truck event will feature a variety of food trucks – mobile kitchens, canteens and catering trucks that offer up appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Foods to be featured change monthly but have included lobster rolls, Portuguese cuisine, fish and chips, regional American, Latin food, ice cream, barbecue and much more. Many menus are kid-friendly! Proceeds from each Food Truck Tuesday event benefits a local charity.
On October 17, 2021, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a residence in the W section of Palm Coast about a house fire. K-9 Deputy First Class (DFC) Marcus Dawson arrived at the scene and observed movement in the back master bedroom of the residence and found a 3-year-old hiding in fear.
DFC Dawson met with a neighbor who advised that the fire started in the kitchen and he had not seen the three occupants that day. Upon checking the exterior of the residence, DFC Dawson observed a fire on the stove that was spreading to the cabinets. There was thick black smoke filling the residence and dogs barking at the sliding glass door of the rear bedroom. DFC Dawson made verbal commands into the residence and did not receive any response.
As he was walking to the front of the residence, he observed the bathroom light on and made more announcements through the front door, again not receiving any response. He walked around to the back of the house and entered the patio through the unlocked screened door. DFC Dawson observed movement in the bed of the master bedroom and as he got close, he observed a toddler under the blankets hiding from the smoke. He immediately entered the residence to rescue the child and carried him out of the home. The toddler immediately received medical attention and was cleared on scene.
Upon meeting with the toddler’s father, it was determined the father went to pick up dinner and left the sleeping child home with an older sibling.
“Without DFC Dawson immediately running toward danger, even without a safety respirator, this could have been a much different outcome,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This child was hiding in fear of the fire and smoke watching a cartoon on his phone when, thankfully, DFC Dawson’s training in emergency response allowed him to find this child and safely rescue him. This was a dangerous situation and we are very proud of DFC Dawson’s bravery and commitment to serving this community and saving a life.”
All three residents of the home were safe with no injuries. The scene was turned over to Palm Coast Fire Department (PCFD). The fire was believed to be accidental and possibly cooking-related.
View Footage Here: https://youtu.be/smShzLMXj8o
Media Release:
Date: October 18, 2021
Prepared by: Melissa Morreale
Phone and Email: 386-529-4086; mmorreale@flaglersheriff.comRelease #: 2021-243
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a project update open house regarding plans on State Road (S.R.) A1A from north of Ocean Marina Drive to south of Westmayer Place on Tuesday, October 19, at 5:30 p.m.
The purpose of this project is to enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians in the Town of Beverly Beach. Please see the attached project information handout for more details. The project update open house is being held to present an update on the project and receive community feedback.
The open house will be held at the Beverly Beach Town Hall, 2735 N. Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136. Interested persons may attendanytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to speak with project team members and submit comments or questions.
A public hearing about this project was held on July 15, 2021. A recording of the public hearing and project exhibits are available for review on the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/445690-1.
FDOT is sending notices to nearby property owners, business owners, interested persons, and organizations to provide the opportunity to offer comments and express their views regarding this project and the proposed improvements.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at Jennifer.Smith2@dot.state.fl.us.
Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Carolyn Fitzwilliam at 386-943-5215 or Carolyn.Fitzwilliam@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
If you have any questions or comments about the project, please contact me by phone at 386-943-5231, email at Taleb.Shams@dot.state.fl.us, or U.S. mail at Florida Department of Transportation, 719 S. Woodland Blvd., MS 542, DeLand, Florida 32720.
Palm Coast, Florida, October 17, 2021 – The Palm Coast Yacht Club and the city’s Chez Jacqueline boutique joined together to hold a benefit for the Flagler Humane Society on September 8, 2021. With tickets on sale for $25.00 each, the show featured fashions from the boutique modeled by members of the Yacht Club. In addition, special discounts to area restaurants, businesses and services were raffled off, including donations from The Funky Pelican, Salsas Mexican Restaurant, The Brass Tap, Pine Lakes Golf Club, and The Green Lion Café.
The Flagler Humane Society is at the center of animal welfare, recovery, and adoption activity in the county. The Society works to reduce the numbers of homeless animals through accessible, affordable spay/neuter programs, progressive foster and adoption programs, and coordination and cooperation with other local rescue groups and shelters in the community.
This is the sixth benefit held by the Palm Coast Yacht Club, which has staged major fundraisers for local charities including The Family Life Center; the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans; Love in a Backpack, providing supplemental nutrition to Flagler’s children; and Florida’s Guardian ad Litem Program, advocating for abused and neglected children.
The Palm Coast Yacht Club was established in 1979 and offers a wide variety of activities and programs for boaters and non-boaters alike.
Chez Jacqueline is located at 25 Palm Harbor Village Way, W#3, and is a popular source for fashion, gifts, and home décor. The store has a two-decade tradition of raising funds for local charities on behalf of the city’s clubs and service organizations.
Media Release: Sarah Ulis
Featured Image: From left to right, Lynn Meyers and Amy Wade Carotenuto of the Flagler Humane Society, Yacht Club Rear Commodore Candayce Schmidt, Yacht Club member Ruth Anne Ferreira, and Andy Boothe, Yacht Club Treasurer.
Family Life Center executive director Trish Giaccone.
To help create awareness for the many forms of domestic violence, in collaboration with the Family Life Center, we will feature information each Friday during the month of October in hopes that it will help make a difference, save a life, or change a behavior. We hope you’ll share the information as you never know whose life it may touch or impact. – Flagler News Weekly
Friday Feature Domestic Violence Awareness Month – DV in Mature Living
Guest Writer: Trish Giaccone, LMHC, NCC, CEO Family Life Center
During a speaking engagement early in my career, I was asked about the age range of victims who seek services at the Family Life Center. I eagerly shared with the audience the presence of residents ranging in age from newborn to 72. There was a collective gasp within the room and I found myself a little taken aback by the shock of the group. Upon their exit, many attendees shared with me their surprise at the advanced age of some of the emergency shelter residents and considered domestic violence a problem for the “younger people”. In my naiveté I considered the reaction from the group an isolated situation and shrugged it off. Not long after the speaking engagement, a victim called the crisis helpline in tears and began her sentence with, “I don’t know if you help women my age but I don’t know where else to turn”. The victim proceeded to share the abuse she endured from her husband of over 40 years, how their children lived in various states and help from them was not an option along with her strong faith in her marital vows. The internal conflict shared by the victim was gut-wrenching to say the least.
Each of these incidents brings about an interesting question: Can there be an “age-out” of victimization? Please hear me when I say emphatically – NO! There is no such thing as being too old to be a victim of domestic violence. Fla. Stat §741.28 defines domestic violence and does not delineate ages within the definition. Abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age. Older victims engaged with our services have shared comments they have heard such as, “Your old enough to know better”, “You’ve been together so long, why is it a problem now”, or “You know it’s the medication/health issue, things will get better, just wait it out”. I have to believe these comments were not made with malicious intent; however, they are reflective of a lack of consideration for older victims. The power and control wheel identifies multiple tactics abusers use to gain and maintain control of victims and each approach is certainly applicable to older victims. According to the National Council on Aging (2021) roughly 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have suffered some type of elder abuse. This is of course in consideration of those who report and we are certain many do not. A significant difference between elder abuse and domestic violence is the relationship between the perpetrator of abuse and the victim. And while each of these crimes are deplorable and carry substantial penalties, identification of such crimes remains low. Domestic violence in older population may look like:
1) Insults, demeans, or shames the victim, especially in front of other people.
2) Prevents the victim from seeking medical care or withholding medication.
3) Controls finances or financially exploits the victim.
4) Denies access to traditional or spiritual activities.
5) Isolation of the victim from friends or family members and or does not allow the victim to drive independently.
This is not an exhaustive list but rather a small array of strategies a perpetrator of domestic violence may utilize to harm victims. Age does not preclude someone from being a victim of domestic violence or a perpetrator of abuse. Certified domestic violence centers around the state are able to assist victims of all ages with services. If you recognize even one of the signs above, please reach out to speak to a Florida Privileged Advocate in confidence by calling or texting 386-437-3505. Please remember, it does not matter what your age is, you are not alone.
The Flagler Auditorium’ presents a THINK PINK PREVIEW.
Come preview the 2021-22 season shows and see a light show especially prepared for you. Tickets are only $5.00.
One hundred percent of the proceeds raised at this event will go toward financially supporting mammograms, breast ultrasounds, stereotactic breast biopsies, education, and other specific diagnostic services to aid in the early detection of breast cancer.
Come meet the staff, learn about the Auditorium and the shows. You could even make some new friends! All for a good cause!
Wednesday, October 20, 2021.
If you have any questions please call the box office at (386) 437-7547
The show starts at 7:30PM. The doors will open at 7:00 PM.
"Wilma The Wicked Witch" by Cora Raidford is the perfect holiday decoration on display during the Grand Art Gallery's 'Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces' opening recpetion on October 3, 2021.
Palm Coast, FL – Jazzing up The Grand Art Gallery in Palm Coast, doll makers from Jacksonville to Palm Coast shared their personal and professional designs during the “Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces” opening reception on Sunday, October 3rd, for their first major show.
Doll artist Juanelle Strickland Marshall discusses her work with Mariam Hughey-Guy and Dr. Awilda Hamilton during the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021.
Featuring an array of subjects and genres, St. Johns County doll artist Juanelle Strickland Marshall shared stories behind the works from different collections, perched in the niches throughout the gallery. A lifelike doll depicted Marshall’s mother on her 70th birthday as “Queen for the Day”, and upon her passing returned to her for safekeeping.
“It is very exciting and the feedback is just phenomenal. It makes you feel pretty good,” said Marshall.
“I made my first doll for my little sister many, many years ago and then I started making art dolls about 10 years ago. It’s very relaxing and I see a vision of everything I make,” she said.
Artist Judi Wormeck admires a sea-themed creation by Juanelle Strickland Marshall during the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021.
Meanwhile another niche displayed her sea-based works where an elaborately decorated Christmas tree and a small under the sea quilt with intricately placed beads and trinkets adorned the work. On the other side of the gallery, an exquisitely decorated steampunk themed Christmas tree complimented the steampunk doll that was breathtaking with detail.
“They tell a story and have a nice presentation,” she said.
Assisting gallery curator Jan Jackson with bringing the Dollworks JAX artists to Palm Coast, doll artist Emma Fleischer has been interested in dolls since her youth. Designing her own dolls now offers a chance to add her own flair and bring her ideas to life, while collaborating with other artists in the club.
“We get together twice a month and play together. Most of the dolls are made when we’re alone,” shared Fleischer. “Some of members are in quilt groups, others want to learn how to make dolls – that’s how I joined. Growing up I collected dolls.”
Sharing The Great Pumpkin during the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021, Dollworks JAX member Emma Fleischer helped bring the show to Palm Coast.
She was excited to show her own work, including the holiday festive “The Great Pumpkin” while viewing the works of other doll makers.
“(It’s exciting) just seeing everybody’s works from over the past few years. Some of these I’ve not seen and just the detail and quality on all of them.”
With an appreciation for the craft, Melanie Palmrose headed to Palm Coast for the show’s opening from Middleburg, Florida. With several friends in the club, she’s a fan of their work.
Melanie Palmrose drove over from Middleburg, Florida to attend the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021.
“I’m a close friend of one of the group and acquaintance of the entire group, and I knew that I would be bowled over by their talent,” she said. “I just drove two hours – I would go anywhere to see the work that they do.”
While many of the dolls are not for sale – they’re from private collections, a number of them are, and priced well below what collectors would pay at a convention. People looking for unique holiday gifts or décor for their own homes or offices are encouraged to stop in and browse the dolls on display.
“Art dolls have been an interest of mine for some time. I had a gallery when we lived in Albuquerque, and that was my most popular show when we had an art doll show,” curator and gallerist Jan Jackson.
Grouped according to theme, Jackson said the Dollworks JAX members have a vast collection, and it was challenging to pare down the selections to meet the space.
Dollworks JAX member Emma Fleischer shares history about the club during the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021.
“They were very excited about showing their work, and as you can see, they’re very competent. Some of these people have been making their dolls for 20 or more years, and it’s just exciting. You want to touch everything, because they’re so beautiful,” she said.
If You Go:
“Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces” Show
The Grand Art Gallery
2298 Colbert Lane, Palm Coast, FL
October 3 – November 14, 2021
Monday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Karen Sullivan, doll artist Cora Raiford and Barbara Cheletta attend the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021.A variety of dolls and faces offer a look into the artist during the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021.Tom Gargiulo, artist and CEO of the Gargiulo Art Foundation and doll artist Juanelle Strickland Marshall attend the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021.Resting Witch Face by Pattie Bibb marks the season during the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021.“Wilma The Wicked Witch” by Cora Raidford is the perfect holiday decoration on display during the Grand Art Gallery’s ‘Artists of Dollworks JAX, Dolls & Faces’ opening reception on October 3, 2021.
