- November 4, 2024
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The Portuguese American Cultural Center celebrated its 31st anniversary in the main hall of the center, 1200 Palm Harbor Parkway, on March 24. Master of Ceremony Rosa Ataide introduced the guests for the evening: Honorary Consul, Dr. Caesar De Paço, wife Deanna and daughter Valentina; Mayor Milissa Holland; Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and wife Debbie; and retired Hillsborough, New Jersey, Chief Paul Kaminsky and wife Karen. Longtime volunteers Dino and Elizabeth Pereira were unanimously nominated and recognized as benefactor members during the event.
Leora Gonzales has lived in Palm Coast for nine years and will release her steamy firefighter series on May 8.
Where did the inspiration for this romance novel come from?
“I've always been a fan of the firefighter/officer sub-genre when it comes to romance novels. Who doesn't like a man in uniform? When I was asked to write a novel about firefighters, it seemed like the natural thing for me to do since I enjoy them as a reader myself.”
Have you always been a romance writer, or is this a newer style for you as a writer?
“I write what I love and everyone loves a good HEA (Happily Ever After) so Romance is the best fit. So far, I've written the Braving The Heat Series (my firefighter books) as well as a sci-fi romance series.”
Where can people buy the book once it's released May 8?
“When Simmering Heat releases, it will be available at all major online retailers (Amazon Kindle, Nook, etc.) and paperback. I'm going to see if I can get a few copies sent to the Palm Coast library for readers who prefer to borrow instead of buy.”
Will there be more books to follow this one?
“There will definitely be more books following Simmering Heat. I have a least two more books planned for the series with the next titled Taming Fire and hopefully more following. Simmering Heat is part of a series. But each book can be read as a standalone novel with no issue. I do like bringing back some of the characters I love. So, even though the series is linked, you will be able to pick it up in the middle without being lost. Of course, it's always a good idea to read the series in order for maximum character development and to follow some of the multi-book story arcs.”
The Rotary Club of Flagler County presented a check for $1,500 to Stewart Marchman to support their Culinary Program at the Women Assisting Recovering Mothers Residential Community on March 28. WARM at the Vince Carter Sanctuary is a long-term residential treatment facility for women exhibiting symptoms of drug and alcohol dependence, with slots designated for women who are pregnant, post-partum and parenting young children.
The Gallery of Local Art in Flagler Beach held its third-annual tea party on Sunday, March 25. Special Events Coordinator Cheryl Zeeb plans a monthly event theme and raises money for a different local charity in Flagler County each month, including the VFW, DAV, Lions Club, Christmas Come True, the Flagler County Free Clinic, the Flagler Turtle Patrol, Whispering Meadows Ranch and the Hope to Help Foundation.
Sixty people attend the tea party, which included a door prize, raffles and a jewelry show. Stop in at the gallery, located at 208 Central Ave., Flagler Beach, to see the 11th-annnual Plein Air Show.
The Precious Hearts Foundation was established in Palm Coast in December 2009 with a mission to prevent domestic violence, homelessness and bullying among men, women, children and the elderly. From 11am to 2pm on April 14, Precious Hearts Foundation will provide a more relaxed atmosphere at Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine, for guests to listen to testimonies from male and female survivors of domestic abuse, as well as enjoy live music and entertainment. There will be free food and beverages, networking and advocates and counselors on standby for those who may need assistance. Bring a blanket or chair.
“I am a survivor of domestic abuse, 15-year duration, 17 years out of enduring physical abuse, bullying, rape, mental, verbal and emotional abuse, as well as homelessness,” said Precious Hearts Foundation President Elva Chase. “This event means a lot to me, as I am creating a platform for other survivors to share their testimony without being judged, but embraced.”
Visit preciousheartsfoundation.org. For help, call the helpline at 1-877-731-2210.
Flagler Palm Coast High School held the induction ceremony for the National Honor Society on Thursday, March 29. Students were given the entire month of February to gather and submit a resume, essay and recommendation letter. After the submission deadline, teachers and staff members were sent the list of candidate names and asked to provide evidence of leadership and character in the classroom. As a final step, a faculty review committee meets to review all the application materials and make recommendations for selection. The FPC NHS was happy to welcome 48 new members.
About 500 locals attended the presentations of former POW Bill Robinson, the longest held enlisted captive during Vietnam, at the American Legion Flagler Post 115 on March 14, according to a release.
Capt. Robinson began his presentation asking for Vietnam Era veterans in attendance to stand and thanked them all for their service. His presentation depicted his experiences and those of others as POWs from September 1965 through early 1973 in Vietnam, including the famed Hanoi Hilton.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure and its local conservation partners released rescued green sea turtles back to the wild on Thursday, March 29, at the River to Sea Preserve boardwalk just south of Marineland Dolphin Adventure. The eight green sea turtles released are the final group of a large number of cold-stunned turtles rescued this year at Marineland.
Angela Nicols, longtime volunteer of the Apopka Historical Society, Museum of the Apopkans and other community activities is now retired now to Palm Coast to be near two of her five children.
She was recently presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles. Nicols celebrates many years of experience in her professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities and the credentials and successes she has accrued in her field.
With nearly 40 years of experience in the field, Ms. Nicols most recently served as the owner of Nicols Consultant, a computer consultancy and training company, from 1995 to 2015, and with the Apopka Historical Society, serving in several roles between 1994 and 2015.
The Linda Vestal Foundation of Palm Coast is offering a scholarship to one deserving high school graduate for 2018. The applicant should have a career interest in Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice. Applicants are encouraged to seek information for this scholarship online through their high school's Flagler County Scholarship Foundation. Contact Andrea Parham at 439-0430.
On Saturday, April 7, students from Rymfire Elementary School will compete against local teams in the SeaPerch regional competition for a potential spot in the SeaPerch International Competition. It will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Daytona State College Aquatic Center, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.
Palm Coast resident Preston Carney graduated from the Northwest Lineman Center, a 15-week Electrical Lineworker Program, to take the first step into a trade career.
The Palm Coast Woodcarvers held its first class in the newly renovated and expanded Palm Coast Community Center on March 27.
Group photo of members in attendance:
Back: Dennis Xander, Jeff Kingdon, John Paletar, Howard Hawrey, Jim Stephans, Bud Tanis, Neil Cooksey, Roxanne Shaffer, Neil Valentin, Mike Pietrosante
Middle: Bob Knapp, John Maluski, John Schumacher, Lois Seay
Front: John Stillman, Chris Trizis, Paula Sintic, Frank Kaminski, Eric Morse
Ocean - 37510650, 2-year-old male domestic short-haired cat
Shelton - 37873807, 3-year-old male domestic short-haired cat
Squirt - 17229467, 5-year-old male domestic short-haired cat
Teto - 37444861, 8-year-old male chihuahua mix