Pine Trails Elementary third grade class participates in mock trial at Volusia County Courthouse

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Pine Trails Elementary third-grader Betsy Reece presents evidence during the mock trial on Tuesday, May 15. Photo courtesy of Joanna Kaney-Olivari
Pine Trails Elementary third-grader Betsy Reece presents evidence during the mock trial on Tuesday, May 15. Photo courtesy of Joanna Kaney-Olivari
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Volusia County Court Judge Bryan Feigenbaum and his team presided over a mock trial of storybook proportions on Tuesday, May 15: the case of State of Florida vs. Gold E. Locks.

Pine Trail Elementary teacher Meri Albert's third grade class was invited by Feigenbaum to participate in the trial. The students,

Judge Bryan Feigenbaum listens while Gold E. Locks, played byGinger Feigenbaum answers questions from the State during the mock trial on Tuesday, May 15. Photo courtesy of Joanna Kaney-Olivari
Judge Bryan Feigenbaum listens while Gold E. Locks, played byGinger Feigenbaum answers questions from the State during the mock trial on Tuesday, May 15. Photo courtesy of Joanna Kaney-Olivari

including Feigenbaum's daughter, Ginger, who is in Albert's class, had studied their script for weeks and were ready to present their case. The students played the roles of Gold E. Locks, her mother and the three bears, and they also made up the entire jury.

While the roles were scripted, the verdict was unknown until the jury's deliberation. After Gold E. Locks was found guilty of burglary, the jurors were polled and it was discovered that three had decided that she was not guilty. Feigenbaum, to avoid a hung jury and residents assuming more court costs, encouraged the State and the defense to reach a compromise.

Betsy Reece, Assistant State Attorney Tara Libby, Assistant State Attorney Shonda White, Rocco Kaney-Olivari, and Assistant State Attorney Matt Socha during the mock trial on Tuesday, May 15. Photo courtesy of Joanna Kaney-Olivari
Betsy Reece, Assistant State Attorney Tara Libby, Assistant State Attorney Shonda White, Rocco Kaney-Olivari, and Assistant State Attorney Matt Socha during the mock trial on Tuesday, May 15. Photo courtesy of Joanna Kaney-Olivari

A happily-ever after was reached after Gold E. Locks apologized to the Bear family and was adjudicated to the lesser crime of trespassing, and Mrs Locks invited the Bear family to a picnic lunch. 

Albert's class was also treated to a demonstration by Volusia County Deputy Rick Carlson and his K-9, Bisou. 

Charlie Horse restaurant donates to Ormond Beach Fire Department's Fire Explorer program

Dan and Margie Peckham, owners of the Charlie Horse restaurant in Ormond Beach, recently lent a hand to the Ormond Beach Fire Department by sponsoring all the registration fees for the department's new Fire Explorer program.

Charlie Horse general manager and post advisor Lori Dupree presents a check to head advisor Firefighter Joe Dupree. Courtesy photo
Charlie Horse general manager and post advisor Lori Dupree presents a check to head advisor Firefighter Joe Dupree. Courtesy photo

The explorers meet once a week at station no. 92 to learn about the firefighting career, including how firefighters respond to medical emergencies, accidents and fighting fires. The program currently has 20 active members and is open to anyone ages 14-18. If interested in joining, contact Firefighter Paramedic Joe Dupree at 235-3192.

Upcoming workshop to give advice to guardians of disabled children

As a result of a partnership, the city of Ormond Beach and Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida will offer a workshop centered around guardians with disabled children who will soon turn 18.

The workshop will be presented by a pro bono attorney and after a presentation, there will be a Q&A session. It will be held at 3:30-5 p.m., Thursday, June 7, at City Hall in conference room 103. City Hall is located at 22 S. Beach St. 

The city and CLSMF will offer quarterly workshops on different topics throughout the year.

OBPD to participate in national Click It or Ticket operation

The Ormond Beach Police Department urges people to buckle up as law enforcement will be cracking down on seat belt enforcement beginning May 21 as part of the national Click It or Ticket mobilization effort.

Like other law enforcement agencies across the U.S., OBPD will enforce a "zero tolerance" message to the public where driving or riding without wearing your seatbelt will result in a ticket. According to an OBPD press release, seat belts have saved about 344,447 lives nationwide. The operation will be in place until June 3.

Seabreeze High School student artwork displayed at OMAM, winners named

More than 200 art pieces were on display at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum for the biennial Tradewinds show, which runs through Friday, May 25. 

The show concept was first thought up by now-retired art teacher Nina Masters over 50 years ago, and for art teachers Lisa Botkin

Seabreeze High School senior Abigail Marais won Best in Show for this piece, done with marker. Courtesy of OMAM
Seabreeze High School senior Abigail Marais won Best in Show for this piece, done with marker. Courtesy of OMAM

and Cassie Price, it is a culmination of a year of hard work for their students. The students determined a theme for their art at the start of the school year. Their artwork was judged by Bryce Hammond, Volusia County visual arts specialist.

The winners were as follows:

Seabreeze High School senior Abigail Marais won Best in Show, junior Ninife Schweizer won first place, sophomore Venessa Christaldi won second place and sophomore Madison Domayer won third place. 

 

 

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