Daytona
College presidents reflect on government crisis
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RAYNARD JACKSON: Terrible parenting linked PRESORTED to rise in suicides by children See page STANDARD 4
U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #189 Daytona Beach, FL
‘Everybody’s Birthday Party’ held at center for seniors See page 3
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
See page 2
www.daytonatimes.com www.daytonatimes.com
OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 6, 2013
YEAR 38 NO. 44
Last chance to speak up about Votran fares
PEOPLE SPEAK
Volusia County Council will vote Nov. 7 on increasing bus fares BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
A final public hearing and vote will take place Nov. 7 by the Volusia County Council on increasing the fare to ride on Votran buses.
The issue will be decided during the council’s regularly scheduled meeting, according to Volusia County Spokesman Dave Byron. Votran’s riders now pay $1.25 for a full fare one-way ticket. The changes the council will be voting on include an increase from $1.25 to $1.50 in 2014 and to $1.75 in 2015; reduced fare up from $.60 to $.75 in 2014 and to $.85 in 2015; all-day pass increases from $3 to $3.50 in 2014 and to $3.75 in 2015.
Proposed increases include changing a three-day pass from $6 to $7 in 2014 to $7.50 in 2015; a sevenday pass up from $12 to $12.75 in 2014 and to $13 in 2015; and a 31-day pass increase from $40 to $45 in 2014 to $46 in 2015.
February start date The last time Votran had a fare increase was in January 2007. “Votran staff will take direction from County Council. County Council will
Companies will be shopping for workers Nov. 7 at mall
make the decision regarding the fare increase when the issue comes before them. If County Council approves the fare increase, it will go into effect around February 2014,” said Michelle Coats, spokesperson for Votran. The county sought public input on the proposed fare increase through five public meetings in September across the county. Bus surveys also were accessible to the public to fill out.
Shortage of funds Votran’s General Manager Steven Sherrer said at a public meeting held at the Votran headquarters in South Daytona that this past March, Votran participated in a mini budget presentation to the county council and informed council members that Votran was anticipating a funding shortfall. Sherrer also presented the information to Daytona Beach officials at a meeting in June with the hopes
that they would be willing to give them money from general funds so a hike in fares would not be necessary. “Nobody brought their checkbook, but it was a great opportunity for us to educate folks on the services we provide in their cities,” Sherrer said about that meeting.
Current rates Sherrer said that “although the fare for a onePlease see VOTRAN, Page 2
BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING 2013
BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Turnout is expected to be high at a job fair next week sponsored by the City of Daytona Beach at the Volusia Mall even though recent unemployment figures suggest the economy is recovering in Volusia County. Daytona Beach Assistant City Manager Betty Goodman said the city will sponsor the job fair on Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “The city’s goal is to provide for our citizens that are seeking employment a one-stop venue that will allow them the opportunity to communicate with a number of employers,” Goodman said.
Hundreds of jobs The job fair will be near the food court area, in the same area the city held a job fair in March 2012. Goodman said more than 25 of the area’s employers will be represented, including Bright House Networks, Florida Hospital, International Speedway Corporation, Daytona Beverages, Daytona State College and Teledyne Oil and Gas. “Employers are looking for candidates to fill hundreds of part and fulltime jobs from entry-level positions to management and engineering positions,” noted Goodman. Some of the industries represented include hospitality, medical, utilities and technology. Goodman said all applicants are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and references. Professional or business attire is recommended. There is no cost to attend the job fair.
Jobless rate The combined unemployment rate in Flagler and Volusia counties was 7.5 percent in August, according to the Center for Business Excellence region. The August rate was 1.9 percentage points lower than the region’s yearago rate. The state unemployment rate was 0.4 percentage point lower than the region at 7.1 percent. Out of a labor
LANCE ROTHWELL/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
‘A Nation Like No Other’ B-CU had plenty to celebrate at this year’s Homecoming FROM STAFF REPORTS
Thousands lined Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard last Saturday to watch the B-CU’s Homecoming parade. Afterward, many headed to Municipal Stadium where they watched the Wildcats whip South Carolina State 14-3. Joan Thompson, right, a B-CU graduate from the Class of 1968, is currently an assistant professor and retention specialist at the university where she has worked for more than 30 years. Thompson was recognized during the Homecoming game and had the honor of being a grand marshal during the parade. Dr. Edison Jackson, pictured above, whose inauguration as B-CU’s sixth president also took place this month, greeted the fans at the stadium. This year’s Homecoming theme was “Wildcat Nation… A Nation Like No Other.’’ For more information on the Homecoming football game, see page 6.
JOHN REEVES/B-CU
Please see JOB FAIR, Page 2
Pannell to oversee Daytona’s athletic programs FROM STAFF REPORTS
Jacquelyn Pannell
The City of Daytona Beach announced this week the hiring of Jacquelyn Pannell as its new athletic manager. She replaces Hilary Rowley, who retired after 39 years with the city. Pannell, a Daytona Beach resident, will oversee the city’s athletic programs including coordinating events
at Municipal Stadium and other cityowned properties. She also will organize and promote the city’s athletic programs for adults and youths. As athletic manager, she will oversee 13 employees. “Jacquelyn’s recreational services background, experience and education, coupled with her communication skills and professionalism are a perfect
fit for Daytona Beach,” said Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson.
Worked for B-CU, NASCAR She is a graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She also earned a master’s in sport business management and
an MBA from the University of Central Florida. She also played basketball and softball at Emmanuel College. Pannell has previous experience working for a municipality’s recreational department. From 2001 to 2008, she was employed by the leisure services department in Bloomfield, Conn. Prior to employment with the city, she was the director of communications at Bethune-Cookman University and worked for NASCAR as a senior coordinator of public affairs.
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7 FOCUS
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 6, 2013
College presidents: Government crisis still impacting students BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com
Some college students who depend on financial aid may not be able to attend classes next year or first-generation students may not get money to attend school in the fall if the government can’t solve its problems. That’s according to Dr. Wendy B. Libby, president of Stetson University, who participated in a symposium at Bethune-Cookman University last month in which the topic was “An examination of the Impact of Federal Legislation on the Future of HBCUs and Smaller Colleges.” Libby was commenting on the government shutdown that didn’t end until Oct. 17. It closed many government departments, furloughed 800,000 workers, and cut off or delayed financial aid to college students.
Another battle coming President Obama succeeded in winning an increase in the debt ceil-
ing, along with funding to end the partial government shutdown, but it was a deal that left America’s debt crisis unaddressed and triggered another battle months from now. The bill signed by the president on Oct. 17 will fund the government through Jan. 15 and raise the debt cap through Feb. 7. Libby noted uncertainty at the federal level is the worst thing that can happen to colleges and universities that depend upon donations from alumni. “We rely on philanthropy … (the shutdown) makes investors uncertain. They are giving out of their wealth,” she said, noting the donors’ wealth in many cases is tied to the stock market, which is affected by decisions made in Washington, D.C. The symposium was moderated by former Bennett College President Dr. Julianne Malveaux. In addition to Libby, participants were Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, president, Savannah State University; Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF; and Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard,
executive vice President and COO of Johnson C. Smith University.
Long-term impact B-CU president Dr. Edison Jackson, who was inaugurated as the school’s president on Oct. 16, the day before the symposium, introduced the panelists and moderator to an audience made up of B-CU students, faculty and staff and the community Malveaux agreed with Libby on the impact of the shutdown, saying it will have a long-term negative impact, especially on Blacks. “When the fed cuts, the state cuts, when the state cuts, city cuts. It’s a trickle down. When American economy gets a cold, Blacks folks get pneumonia,” she quipped. Malveaux compared the Republicans refusal to support a continuing resolution and an increase in the debt ceiling “a temper tantrum.’’ “An African-American president they want to hold to different, impossible standard,” she added.
Participating in the symposium at Bethune-Cookman were Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard, executive vice president and COO of Johnson C. Smith University; former Bennett College President Dr. Julianne Malveaux; B-CU President Dr. Edison Jackson; Dr. Wendy B. Libby, president, Stetson University; Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, president, Savannah State University; and Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF.
HBCUs still relevant Malveaux also commented that there is still a need for historically Black colleges and universities. “If we didn’t’ have them, we would have to invent them,” she noted. “We have not changed the way we deliver education. The student body has changed, but not higher education. Everybody can’t go to an HBCU. Everybody’s not ready for experience. What is missing is national commitment – dollars to support HBCUs – funds other schools get easily,” she continued. Pinkard also noted HBCU’s existence is just as important as colleges origand other services and professional and business services (-100 jobs each) lost jobs over the year. Information, financial activities, and education and health services were unchanged over the year. Manufacturing (+2.4 percent); and leisure and hospitality (+3.5 percent) employment grew faster in the metro area than in the state.
New system
Last year’s job fair sponsored by the city was held in March at the Volusia Mall.
job fair from Page 1 force of 286,734, there were 21,420 unemployed residents in the region. Unemployment rates for August in the counties that comprise the Center for Business Excellence region
VOTRAN from Page 1 way ride is $1.25, “a majority of the folks that board the bus are either boarding at some sort of reduced fare already or they’re using an unlimited ride pass. “Our average fare we collect per board is 67 cents,” Sherrer noted. Sherrer added that many people think public transportation supports itself. If that were the case, he said, Votran would have to charge a fare of $5 as a base fare and would have to maintain the same level of boardings. Votran currently has about 3.6 million fixed route boardings a year. A one-way fare is below the state average rate of $1.56.
‘A scary thing’ No one at the public meeting on Sept. 10 at the Votran headquarters on Big Tree Road spoke against the fare hike. “I think we need more location announcements on the buses like every time it turns the corner,” said bus rider Frank Andrews of South Daytona. Elizabeth Lendian of Deleon Springs was concerned
were 10.1 percent in Flagler and 7.1 percent in Volusia. Nonagricultural employment in the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metro area was 155,500 in August. Total nonagricultural employment was up 1,300 jobs (+0.8 percent) over the year. Statewide employment increased by 1.7 percent over the same time period. that Route 60 was going to be cut to save money. Sherrer assured her there is no discussion at Votran or the county to discontinue the only connector between the east side and west side of the county. Jonathan Chase, who is visually impaired and rides the bus frequently, called the price increase “a scary thing.” “I hope there’s going to be a way that us blind people can get a fair amount with such a small-type budget for our transportation,” he said.
Additional income To help offset higher operating costs, the county council took the first steps toward a fare increase during a July 11 meeting in DeLand when members directed Votran staff to begin a public outreach process to inform users of a proposed fare hike. According to the Votran website, the 25-cent increase in fixed route service fares is anticipated to generate additional annual income of about $230,000; a 50 cent increase would produce about $348,000 in additional revenue. Fares will continue to only be paid with cash, tokens or passes. Transfers will not be issued.
Manufacturing, hospitality up Four of the 10 major industries gained jobs over the year, led by trade, transportation, and utilities, and leisure and hospitality (+800 jobs each); mining, logging, and construction (+300 jobs); and manufacturing (+200 jobs). Government (-600 jobs)
On Oct. 15, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in partnership with Deloitte, an industry leader in technology and systems integration, launched a new way to claim weekly Reemployment Assistance benefits, update and monitor accounts, and respond to requests for information. The new system is called CONNECT. DEO has expanded the Reemployment Assistance Contact Center hours. The contact center is operational from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The contact center is also operational on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
inally founded for women, Catholics, and Hispanics. “We cannot do business the way we have been doing business in the past. Institutions will not exist if not strategic and respond to the times,” he added. Dozier noted that HBCUs like Savannah State are impacted by the federal government because 80 percent of their students are on Pell grants; 94 percent depend on financial aid; and 40 percent are first-generation students attending college. She pointed out many first-generation students come from families that are struggling and may have depended upon food
stamps, WIC and Head Start, all government programs that were affected by the shutdown.
‘Take education seriously’ Malveaux had an unfavorable critique of the elected officials in D.C. “We’ve learned how to disagree vehemently but haven’t learned how to compromise,” she stated. Dozier said their challenge is to graduate more students. “We have to value an education. If you put something up here (pointing at her brain), you can’t take it away. Take your education seriously,” she remarked.
BRIEFS Tools and appliances sale scheduled Nov. 2 The Men of Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church will host a Tools and Appliances Yard Sale & Fish Fry in the church yard from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The location is 317 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Daytona Beach. For more information, call 386-255-7222.
Sign up for insurance at Flagler NAACP Medicaid recipients and the uninsured with no access to a computer can register for the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) at the Flagler County NAACP. The office will be open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Nov. 6, 8, 12, and 15. The office is located at 1 Florida Park Drive, Suite 305, Palm Coast. Call 386-446-7822 to attend a sign-up session or send email to Sbye@FCBNAACP.org.
GOSPEL HALLELUJAH WORLD WIDE RADIO MINISTRIES Hosted by: Pastor Harold Ford and Prophetess Deborah Ford LISTEN TO WPUL 1590 Saturdays 10 am -noon Sundays 5am- 7am & 1pm-3pm Listen online at: www.wpul1590.com website: www.gospelhallelujah.com
Come let the Holy Ghost Get Ya!
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 6, 2013
M ANEWS YOR COMMUNITY
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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
‘Everybody’s Birthday Party’ celebrates residents at Ormond senior center Thelma Gandy’s “Everybody’s Birthday Party” expressed wishing all sorts of wonderful things, and calling for a party in Ormond Beach. Gandy put the right ingredients together in a combined birthday party for residents of Madison Glen Senior Development, where Gandy lives. This happened in the activity room of the apartment complex. “I sincerely believe having lots of fun, good hearty laughs – singing, dancing, socializing and communicating – are all ingredients in helping to stay healthy,” said Gandy. “Everybody’s Birthday Party” cheerily reminded how special each person is, and included Debra Williams leading a march by the celebrators to the party. It summoned Williams’ energy of putting the party into action. Williams led with a spirit of hope, despite contracting a staph infection years ago, living with health issues since 2004, and having been Debra confined in a Williams wheelchair. But the Georgia-native enjoys volunteering at every event. “We’ve enjoyed the pancake breakfast and playing bingo every Saturday. Lots of things have been going on,” said Barbara Purdue. “Everybody’s Birthday Party” recruited a lively bunch with laughter, beginning with Williams, and continued playing Charades and Cuckoo and dancing the Macarena and the Hokey
Mystery writers workshop set for Nov. 13 Learn how to write a riveting page-turner during a Mystery Writers Workshop at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Is-
Palm Coast Community news Jeroline D. Mccarthy
Pokey. At the heart of pursuits were coordinators: Fran Sneller, Sharon Baeyen, Alice Walker, Grace Jones, Barbara Ellen Tynes, Annie Heslop, Lucille Chrisler, and Carolyn Llewellyn. Holding the key, bringing everything together, was emcee Linda Tripler. Flavors satisfied the enjoyment of turkey wraps and sides, ice cream, and soft drinks put together by Thelma Gandy and Sharon Baeyen. Carrot cake draped in a cream cheese frosting was prepared by Master Baker Gandy. The other accouterments for a well-planned party were: musician Isis Praderes, photographer William Newman, servers Marie Simchik, Mary Benzenhafer, and Sue Amos, as well as contributions made by Christine Pici, Nerissa Brennan, and Jamie Teitjen.
‘Phenomenal Woman’ show returns Nov 9 Public Relations Director Deborah Susswein passed on a press release about Cynthia Black. Susswein is a media specialist in the Flagler County area. Cynthia Black’s second “Phenomenal Woman” Cancer Awareness Fashion Show will take place Saturday, Nov. 9, 11:30 a.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn, 55 Town Center Blvd., Palm Coast, and this time featuring not only women modeling from their personal
land, 105 E. Magnolia Ave. Florida authors Veronica Hart, Joan King and Lois Gerber will begin the workshop with a writing exercise, then move on to a discussion of plot and character development, creating suspects, following proper police procedure, and planting red herrings along the way. They will also talk about the difference between mystery and suspense and creating believable protagonists for specific types of mystery
“Everybody’s Birthday Party” organizer Thelma Gandy sits at the right on the arm of the couch. She’s a former resident of Palm Coast. wardrobes, but five male cancer survivors. The models will wear black, red, and white to represent the diagnosis, treatment, and healing stages of their journey. “Star” model, five-year-old Kiera Timmons, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 3, will most likely need a bone marrow transplant. She will make her way down the runway with fellow senior cancer survivors. Black’s exciting educational, entertaining event will be replete with speakers, including Faith Coleman, co-founder of the Flagler Free Clinic; Marion Hassell, a longtime Palm Coast resident and 10-year breast cancer survivor; and Col. Lloyd Freckleton, a breast cancer survivor and ViceChairman of Trustees at Daytona State University; local cancer specialists, NFL and NBA moms, vendors, plus door prizes. The proceeds from the benefit will be donated to Kiera. The goal
is to raise $25,000 for an operation since health insurance will not cover the entire cost. An appeal for donations can be found on Kiera’s Facebook page, “Hope for Kiera.” Black’s passion is reaching the Flagler community through her WNZF radio talk show, “FYI on the 411” for educating listeners and raising awareness about critical topics like medical care for the poor, public education, and homelessness. Black’s show can be tuned in on Sundays, 10 a.m., on WNZF 106.3 FM and 1550 AM. Past interviews are archived on the WNZF website at: www. wnzf.com. Black can be tuned in live on Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., on WPUL 1590 AM in Daytona Beach, which is the sister station of the Daytona Times. Tickets to the event are $50. For information on becoming a sponsor, bringing a “Phenomenal Woman” event to your community, and purchasing tickets
for the fashion show, call Cynthia Black at 386-546-1817.
Food giveaway The Women’s Missionary Society of First Church has scheduled its monthly food giveaway for Nov. 9, 1-3 pm., at 91 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. For additional details, call 386446-5759. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Celebrations Birthday wishes to: Debra Williams of Jamaica, NY, Nov. 2; Elaine Wettlin, Nov. 3; Joanne Price, Nov. 4; Ernestine Logan, Nia Caldwell, Lisa Henderson-Baker, Dot Straker, Nov. 5; Larry Wettlin, Richard Williams, Nov. 6. Happy anniversary to: Bill and Rita Acey, Oct. 31.
novels. For instance, “cozy mysteries” are different from police procedurals. This is the second in a three-part series of writers workshops. The final program, set for Jan. 29, will address romance writing. The workshops are sponsored by the Friends of the Daytona Beach Library. Reservations are not required. For more information, call Adult Program Coordinator Deborah Shafer at 386-257-6036, ext. 16264.
The City of Daytona Beach presents
job fair
november 7 | 9 am to 1 pm | volusia mall
Daytona Delta clean team ready to work Members of the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. took on the task of “Keeping The City Clean.’’ The sorority is responsible for picking up trash and keeping clean LPGA Boulevard quarterly. Pictured from left to right are LaShan Mallory, Sadie McConner, Cynthia Polk Johnson, Eleanor Jackson, Carolyn Martin and President Maureen Taylor.
BRIEFS
Kids can receive a postcard from Santa Santa is making his list and checking it twice at Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division. As part of an annual tradition, recreation employ-
BRING YOUR RESUME!
ees will send personalized postcards from Santa to children up to age 10. Parents can have their children added to Santa’s mailing list by emailing the child’s name, address and ZIP code to elves@volusia. org, calling 386-736-5953, or faxing 386-943-7012. Requests will be accepted from Nov. 1 through Dec. 6.
Halifax Health to present Community Caregiver Celebration A Halifax Health Community Caregiver Celebration is scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Halifax Health Medical Center auditorium, 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach. This free event will feature guest speaker Mark Spivey presenting “Self Care for the Caregiver.” Guests can enjoy light refreshments and learn about caregiver resources available in the Volusia/
Flagler area. Local nonprofit organizations will be on hand with information and giveaways for caregivers Seating is limited. For more information, contact Christi Gorgans at 386-947-4651.
Advisory committee to discuss Veterans Memorial Bridge Volusia County’s Project Advisory Committee will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 to discuss the design aspects of the replacement for the Tom Staed Veterans Memorial Bridge. The meeting will be in the boardroom of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, 126 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach. The focus of this meeting will be on pier styles for the bridge. Public input will be accepted at the end of the meeting. Additional meetings are tentatively scheduled to be held monthly over the next five months.
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7 EDITORIAL
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 6, 2013
Terrible parenting linked to rise in suicides by children Hardly a week goes by when there is not a tragic story of a teenager committing suicide. Tragic as these deaths are, there is absolutely no causation between bullying and suicide. The media’s simplistic and sensational coverage of these teenage deaths are very problematic in this regard. Suicide is never, let me repeat, suicide is never the result of one cause. Suicide is always the result of a culmination of events that triggers the deadly act; any one event could be what tips the scales. Last month, 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick of Winter Haven jumped to her death from the top of an abandoned concrete plant. Two of her female classmates (12 and 14 years old) now face felony stalking charges in this case.
No evidence Journalists have tried to create a narrative that Sedwick’s classmates taunts was the cause of her killing herself. There has been no evidence linking one to the other. Journalists must be more responsible in dealing with sensitive issues like this. I have not seen any stories that mentioned the fact that Sedwick had already tried to commit suicide by slashing her wrists a year before. So, there were obviously some issues with her long before the problem with her classmates. Earlier this year, the New York Daily News reported on the suicide of a girl who was said to have been bullied. “The devastated parents of Gabrielle Molina said the 12-year-old girl had been tormented by schoolyard bullies for
RAYNARD JACKSON NNPA COLUMNIST
months – and the abuse may be the reason she hanged herself in her Queens home.” May be the reason? That’s pure speculation.
Complicated issue Clearly, abuse from her classmates was a component of a more complicated issue facing Gabrielle. The family tried to keep secret the fact that Gabrielle frequently cut herself as a form of self-mutilation. So, she had other issues unrelated to bullying. Let’s put aside for a moment the convergence of complicated factors in these suicides; let’s put aside the simple narrative the media creates when writing about this tragic issue; and let’s talk about the one issue that no one wants to discuss.
kids – as though they got pregnant by themselves. Many women today don’t connect the institution of marriage to having children. I have heard many women go so far as to say “what does marriage have to do with having kids?” This gutting and redefinition of the family unit is at the center of all the dysfunctionality we see in today’s society. Again, it’s the conflagration of these issues that create the pathologies we see today. Men, especially Black men, have been so marginalized in the public square and on TV that I can’t blame women for not wanting to marry.
Good parenting
Like the issue of suicide itself, this lack of good parenting is also a complicated issue. Women have no constitutional right to have children and men have no constitutional right to impregnate women. But they both have moral imperatives to bring children into the world within the context of a stable family environment. Being a parent is not a right, it is a responsibility. And with more responsible Feminism blamed parents, we are likely to see fewToday we have people who are er suicides and other signs of dyssimply terrible parents. Part of it function. is not their fault. Parents today are the great grandchildren of femiRaynard Jackson is presinism. The feminism of the late 60s, dent and CEO of Raynard Jackcombined with the beginning of son & Associates, LLC., a Washthe destruction of the family unit ington, D.C.-based public relahas wreaked havoc on our society tions/government affairs firm. today. He can be reached through his As a part of this feminist philos- website, www.raynardjackson. ophy, many women today proud- com. Click on this story at www. ly proclaim that they don’t need daytonatimes.com to write your a man to help them raise “their” own response.
Too much government dependency Rather than gloat over the Republicans getting their clocks cleaned in the government shutdown fiasco, it’s worth Blacks taking time to note our dependency on government. In some form, more than half of Americans rely on the government – 165 million out of 308 million. Of these, 107 million Americans rely on welfare, 46 million seniors benefit from Medicare and there are 22 million government employees. This dependency on government sets too many Americans up for low aspirations and generations of welfare and poverty. And, the problem for Blacks is that we often rely too much on government.
Blacks furloughed Washington, D.C. is home to the “wealthiest concentration of Blacks in America.” In D.C., and around the world, more than 800,000 federal workers were furloughed during the shutdown. A disproportionate number of furloughed federal workers happened to be African-Americans. Because government jobs have always been more available to Blacks than private sector employment, Blacks comprise 17.7 percent of the federal workforce. Overall, people of color represent
Americans pathways to middleclass lifestyles.
WILLIAM REED BUSINESS EXCHANGE
34 percent of the federal workforce. Latinos are 8 percent, Asians are 5.8 percent and Native Americans are 2.1 percent. People of color comprise 37 percent of the U.S. population, a figure projected to grow to 57 percent by 2060. Since the 2007 Great Recession, federal, state and local government agencies have pared down payrolls and eliminated positions that sustained millions of Black middle-class workers for decades. Since the beginning of 2007, some 375,000 government jobs have been eliminated. Nearly 21 percent of the nation’s working Black adults have government jobs. Public agencies are the single largest employer for Black men, and the second most common for Black women. But now, with the broader economy stuck in a deep rut and working opportunities chronically lean, those government jobs are diminishing, too. From the Post Office to the White House, a government job has long offered African-
Equalizing force The loss of government paychecks erodes one of what Blacks considered during the past century as an equalizing force. It’s as if Blacks can’t see beyond the proponents of “big government socialism” and attitudes of dependency. Blacks would do well to limit the amount of government dependence in their lives. Without meaningful private-sector endeavors, the Black middleclass cannot sustain itself. Some would say today’s Black middleclass is no more than an illusion. Terms such as “job creation” and “economic engines” must become more commonplace in Blacks’ vernacular. Heritage Foundation findings report that on average, Americans who depend on federal assistance received $32,748 in annual benefits, which is approximately $6,000 more than an average American worker makes in a year.
William Reed is head of the Business Exchange Network and available for speaking/seminar projects through the Bailey Group.org. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
Wagner out to steal green grass, dollars Last week, Volusia County Councilman Joshua Wagner wrote a guest editorial entitled “Volusia County has benefited off backs, dimes of Daytona’s Blacks.” –Greg Gimbert, a community activist, wrote a response to Wagner’s commentary. The truth about politicians is that there is only one color. It is not Black or White, it’s green. Our County Council is no different. It takes care of campaign contributors, not regular people, regardless of color. A reread of Councilman Wagner’s editorial will show they are going for your pocket and your quality of life. His first tells us his sales tax increase will be paid by visitors. Yes, they will pay, for the few days they are here. You will pay for it every day for the rest of your life.
Going without Any economics professional will tell you a sales tax hits the working poor the hardest and only really benefits the wealthiest among us. Wagner would have your family go without so he can build more roads for development contributors. What he does not tell you is that county is in a road dollar bind because of the tens of millions he already gave away, and will contin-
GREG GIMBERT GUEST COLUMNIST
ue to give in our name for SunRail. Should your family sacrifice more so the county politicians can continue to prop up an Orlando train?
Pattern developing Next he reveals a plan to hand over Daytona’s jewel, City Island, to campaign contributors from the development industry. See a pattern here? The theory of clustering and “move down town” is that people want to live near shops, parks, libraries, and services. So how is giving away our courthouse building, our library, and our public park going to promote moving down town? It will not. There is already a ton of undeveloped land on Beach Street ready for this type of development if that is what the market wants. Worse we are already subsidizing these undeveloped properties through CRAs and land use changes that falsely promised this type of development. Privatizing City Island only makes such development there
even less likely, not more. What it will do is insure we citizens will be bailing out the developers, again, even after we gave up our City Island too. Bad move.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: WEBSITE GLITCH
RJ MATSON, CAGLECARTOONS.COM
‘Entitlement programs’ serve elderly and poor Republicans have made it clear that their next budget goal is to slash so-called entitlement programs. Democrats have failed to explain to the public that the misnamed programs are valuable and prevent millions of Americans, many of them elderly or children, from living in poverty. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) issued a report last week that found: “Social Security benefits play a vital role in reducing poverty. Without Social Security, 22.2 million more Americans would be poor, according to the latest available Census data (for 2012). Although most of those whom Social Security keeps out of poverty are elderly, nearly a third are under age 65, including 1 million children. Depending on their design, reductions in Social Security benefits could significantly increase poverty, particularly among the elderly.”
Below poverty line The report explained, “Almost 90 percent of people aged 65 and older receive some of their family income from Social Security. Without Social Security benefits, 44.4 percent of elderly Americans would have incomes below the official poverty line, all else being equal; with Social Security benefits, only 9.1 percent do. These benefits lift 15.3 million elderly Americans — including 9.0 million women – above the poverty line.” Medicare has proven equally as effective. Yet, Republicans like to pretend that the U.S. is quickly moving toward an entitlement society. However, CBPP issued a report last year titled, “Contrary to ‘Entitlement Society’ Rhetoric, Over Nine-Tenths of Entitlement Benefits Go to Elderly, Disabled, or Working Households.” It stated, “More than 90 percent of the benefit dollars that entitlement and other mandatory programs spend go to assist people who are elderly, seriously disabled, or members of working households — not to ablebodied, working-age Americans who choose not to work.
George E. Curry NNPA COLUMNIST
Middle class The research also shatters another myth, the idea that entitlement programs shift resources for the middle class to the poor. “The data show that the middle class receives approximately its proportionate share of benefits: in 2010, the middle 60 percent of the population received 58 percent of the entitlement benefits. The top 20 percent of the population received 10 percent of the benefits; the bottom 20 percent received 32 percent of the benefits.“
SNAP cuts Even with a sluggish economy, Congress seems unwilling to support those on food stamps, now called SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Under the 2009 Recovery Act, recipients received a 13.6 percent temporary boost in benefits. However, that provision is set to expire on Nov. 1, resulting in a $80 a month loss for a family of four. That means SNAP benefits will average less than $1.40 per person per meal in fiscal 2014. Instead of continuing to help those in dire need, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma) introduced legislation in September cutting SNAP by at least $39 billion over the next decade. To his credit, President Obama has suggested a more balanced approach, with cuts being matched by closing some of the loopholes for the wealthy. It’s time for President Obama and Democratic leaders to show that they can stand up to Teapublicans more than once.
George E. Curry is editorin-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service. Curry can be reached through his website, www.georgecurry.com. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.
Opinions expressed on this editorial page are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the newspaper or the publisher.
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Helping homeless Finally, he wants to address the homeless problem with only a Band-Aid. If we really want to solve the homeless problem, start by restoring funding for mental illness treatment. These folks do not need a temporary mat to sleep on, they need a permanent solution. The war on drugs destroys more lives than the drugs themselves actually do. A penny ante drug conviction is a life sentence to joblessness and poverty. Wagner does not know this already? Councilman Wagner’s editorial is a nice story about a straight up robbery of Daytona’s green grass and your green dollars. It is designed to trick you into an angry and emotional reaction. Don’t fall for it.
Greg Gimbert is a board member of Daytona Beach’s Save Our Neighborhoods Coalition, Founding Vice Chairman of the Bellaire Community Group and Co-creator of Stand Daytona’s Charter Amendments. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes. com to write your own response.
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M A YNEWS OR
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 6, 2013 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Ormond Beach museum to honor veterans The Ormond Memorial Art Museum is inviting the public to its annual Veterans Day Tribute on Monday, Nov. 11. The tribute will begin at 11 a.m. The ceremony will include music by the Bethune-Cookman University Tuba Euphonium Brass Ensemble under the direction of Matt Simmons, the presentation of colors by the AFROTC of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a welcome by Ormond Beach Mayor Ed Kelley and comments by Mathew Ellis, LTC, U.S. Army, retired. Ellis will be representing the V.A. Wellness Center program. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum partners with the V.A. Wellness Center to provide monthly art outreach to veterans. The museum was founded in 1946 as a tribute to veterans and many local veterans actually helped to build the gallery space. The ceremony will begin under a large tent in the museum parking lot located on the south end of the Memorial Gardens.
Program for kids too Upon completion of the ceremony, the tribute will move inside the museum with light refreshments and a sing-a-long of patriotic songs. Young people are especially invited to attend to pay tribute to those who have served. Children from various local schools have prepared thank-you letters for the attending veterans. The current exhibition in the museum, “Rated G for Graphic” showcases the artwork in comic books, video games and graphic novels. The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parking will be available at The Casements and St. James Church as well as along Halifax Drive and Seton Trail and other area parking lots. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum is located at 78 East Granada Blvd. in Ormond Beach. Visit www.ormondartmuseum. org for additional information.
BRIEFS
Foster parents forums scheduled this month The state is facing a critical shortage of foster parents. One area non-profit is trying to help them solve the problem. Open Hearts Family Services of Volusia and Flagler Counties is a program operated by the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home in Deltona. The non-profit is actively recruiting foster parents who want to make a difference in the lives of children and will hold these two forums. Current foster parents and children will be at the forums, so those interested can see firsthand what it is like to be a foster parent, as well as ask questions. The two forums will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the following locations and times: • DeLand YMCA, 761 E. International Speedway Blvd., 10 a.m. • Port Orange YMCA, 4701 City Center Parkway, 3 p.m. If you are able to attend either session, call Open Hearts Family Services at 386-738-3663, ext. 2227 and leave a message for which session you hope to attend. If you are unable to attend and are interested in fostering, you can contact Open Hearts at the number listed above.
Counselor-minister to share tips on coping with holidays The holidays revive memories of the past – some happy, some sad. These memories can crash into the present and bring on “the blues” while everyone else is feeling full of holiday cheer. Mark Spivey, a professional counselor and ordained minister, will offer tips to cope with the holiday blues at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island, 105 E. Magnolia Ave. The program is designed to show participants how to keep the blues at bay and leave them with a sense of well-being and purpose this holiday season. Spivey has master’s degrees in theology, existential philoso-
Margaret Schnebly Hodge’s contemporary artwork is on display at the Daytona Beach center at 1000 Vine St.
Volusia artist’s work on display at Yvonne Scarlett-Golden center An exhibition by award-winning artist Margaret Schnebly Hodge is now on display at the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center, 1000 Vine St., Daytona Beach. The exhibition will be on display through Jan. 10, 2014. Hodge is a lifetime resident of Volusia County whose mother, Peggy Schnebly, worked for the city for 35 years. phy and clinical social work. He serves the Volusia/Flagler community and has more than 30 years of experience coaching people through life’s problems, unexpected changes and losses. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Daytona Beach Library. For more information, call Adult Program Coordinator Deborah Shafer at 386-257-6036, ext. 16264.
Palm Coast preparing for seafood festival The fourth annual Palm Coast Seafood Festival will be presented Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 and 3, at Central Park in Town Center, featuring a variety of fresh seafood, live entertainment, a 3-D Chalk Art demonstration, and a Kids Zone. Presented by the City of Palm Coast and Beach 92.7, this year’s festival will be open noon to 5 p.m. both days. Central Park is located at 975 Central Ave. (off State Road 100/Bulldog Drive behind Flagler Palm Coast High School). Admission and parking are free In addition to showcasing the delights of the sea from local and regional restaurants, the weekend of fun will include Capt. Nick, magic shows, exhibitors, stilt-walking, balloon fun, The Wildlife Tree with “Animals of the World,” car displays, strolling musicians, and arts and crafts by Bella Gifts and Celestial Sky’s. The Kids Zone will include a mechanical surfboard, obstacle course and a bounce house. Restaurant and food vendors will include the Golden Lion Café, Marco’s Seafood Express, Golden Gate, the Big Easy Café, T.R. Thornton, Mugshots, the Greek Corner, and Galactic Freeze. Two bars will feature a variety of beer, wine and margaritas. In addition to seafood, non-seafood options will be available, and many menus are kid-friendly. In addition to being presented by the City and Beach 92.7, sponsors for this year’s festival include Aveo Engineering, Marineland, the Palm Coast Observer and Bright House Networks. For more information, call Palm Coast Parks & Recreation at 386-986-2323 or visit www.PalmCoastSeafoodFest.com.
The artist’s work career began as a summer playground staffer working with children and adults. “Some of my best memories are those formed while working at Sunnyland playground and Welch Pool,” Hodge said. “I am truly honored by this opportunity to take part once again in the city’s educational programs for youths and adults.”
Art displayed throughout state Hodge, a graduate of the University of Florida, has exhibited throughout Florida. Her Margaret work can be found Hodge in a number of public, institutional and private collections. She is a contemporary artist from Ormond Beach who uses the human form to spring her creations to life. Created with an abstract painterly style, Hodge’s work features earthy tones of ochre, deep reds, and warm browns. “My art images hover between our external world and our inter-
nal selves, and reflect a multitude of experiences and emotions, both past and present, both personal and universal, where all elements move concurrently.”
Workshops this month Hodge will present public education programs including a discussion on abstract expressionism and a workshop on expressing yourself with line and mark. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., Hodge will present a “Diversity in Abstract Expression (1940-2013)” discussion. On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon, Hodge will host a workshop for teens and adults. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fears to share stories about Blacks in Civil War Historical re-enactor Mary Fears will share stories of Blacks who played littleknown but important roles in the Civil War during a free presentation at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the Port Orange Regional Library. The Ormond Beach resident will shed light on the contributions made by Mary Peake, who educated freed slaves; Robert Smalls, a former slave who commandeered a Confederate ship and sailed it to freedom; and Elizabeth Keckley, a dressmaker for Mary Todd Lincoln. Fears also will bring replicas of Civil War items that audience members may examine after the presentation. Reservations are not required for this program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Port Orange Library. For more information, call 386-322-5152, ext. 4.
Mary Fears relives history during a program Friday in Port Orange.
Butts to preach at Allen Chapel’s Homecoming service Bishop Samuel L. Butts, presiding prelate of the Church of God In Christ of East Central Florida and senior pastor of Butts Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ in Daytona Beach, will be the guest preacher at Allen Chapel AME Church’s Homecoming service at 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 10. Butts also is the founder of Sacred Worship Ministries International, a worldwide multimedia evangelistic outreach ministry. He is a songwriter and publisher whose songs have been performed by Beverly Crawford, Aretha Franklin and others. Allen Chapel AME Church’s events will take place Nov. 9-10. The church is located at 580 George W. Engram Blvd. The theme for the celebration is “Homecoming is a Time of Celebration.”
Food and games A picnic on Nov. 9 will kick off the celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the church grounds. In addition to food, vendors, children games, live music and line dancing are scheduled. Also during the worship service, special music from the Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale is planned. The Women of Allen Praise Danc-
Bishop Samuel Butts to speak at Allen Chapel AME Church’s service on Nov. 10. ers will minister as well as other community guest artists. “We hope to see faces that we haven’t seen in a while,” said Cydney and Camron Wright,
youth co-chairs of the Homecoming Committee. For more information about the Homecoming, contact the church office at 386-255-1195.
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7 SPORTS & CLASSIFIEDS
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 6, 2013
Sweet Homecoming for Wildcats with 14-3 win over Bulldogs B-CU victory puts Wildcats first in MEAC standing Quentin Williams threw one touchdown pass and rushed for another, and the Bethune-Cookman defense contained South Carolina State for a 14-3 Homecoming victory before an overflow crowd of 10,421 at Municipal Stadium on Saturday. The victory gave the Wildcats (7-1 overall, 4-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) sole possession of first place in the league standings, while extending Bethune-Cookman’s conference winning streak to 17 consecutive games.
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It also marked the Wildcats’ first Homecoming victory over the Bulldogs (5-3,3-1 MEAC) after South Carolina State took previous contests against the Wildcats in 1968, 1986, 1995 and 1997. In addition to giving up just 143 total yards of offense, the Wildcats defense denied South Carolina State a touchdown in five penetrations of the B-CU 25 and came up with a defining fourth down stop at the start of the second half.
Defense goes to work Marquis Drayton set the tone when his interception ended a South Carolina State scoring threat at the
Wildcats’ 18. Williams responded by orchestrating a nine-play, 81-yard drive that culminated with a four-yard pass to Isidore Jackson with 5:19 remaining in the first quarter. Williams was 4-for4 on the drive, including a 47-yard strike to Eddie Poole. B-CU took a 14-0 second quarter lead on Williams’ six-yard run with 8:40 to play. The sophomore connected with Jontavious Carter and Cary White for gains of 17 and 11 yards, respectively, on the 54-yard drive. The second half belonged to the Wildcats defense, starting with Tavarus Dantzler and Nesly Mar-
cellon stopping South Carolina’s Justin Taylor for a loss on fourth down on the Bulldogs’ opening possession.
North Carolina next Jarontay Jones blocked a South Carolina field goal attempt to end another threat, then the Wildcats defense held the Bulldogs to a single Nicholas Belcher field goal on two drives that started inside the 20-yard line after long Darius Drummond punt returns. Donald Smith recovered a fumble for a touchback to end the second scoring threat. Nick Addison also had an interception for the Wildcats. Jarkevis Fields led the
COURTESY OF B-CU ATHLETICS
Last Saturday’s game was the first time the Wildcats had defeated the Bulldogs during Homecoming. S:11.5 in
team with 14 tackles. Williams finished 12of-16 for a career-high 220 yards. Poole had five catches for 130 yards. Jackson rushed for 46 yards and Cary White added 43. Bethune-Cookman trav-
els to North Carolina Central on Saturday, Nov. 2, for a game to be televised on ESPNU at noon.
This story originally appeared on B-CUAthletics.com.
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TRAVEL MA YOR
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 6, 2013 DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
photo by SYLWIA KAPUSCINSKI art by Neil Nakahodo mct
Join a star party
Sample cider at the source
As the astronomer described the constellation Sirius, pinpoints scattered in the wide, black sky slowly took shape as Orion’s faithful dog. I watched the faces of my kids, Holley, Collin and Bridget, light up: that excitement is what I love about stargazing. Over the years, we have returned many times to McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas. We tap into professional knowledge at outdoor star parties, glimpse heavenly sights, such as star nebulae and Saturn’s rings, through a telescope and peruse exhibits in the visitors’ center. With its clear skies and temperate weather, fall is a perfect time to visit the observatory, part of the University of Texas at Austin (and to camp in nearby Davis Mountains State Park, where stars barely visible at home shine brightly in the dark night). We’ve also made treks to other observatories, including Canyon of the Eagles Lodge and Nature Park in Burnet, Texas (canyonoftheeagles. com; 800-977-0081). Wherever we go, my kids now make a point of looking for Sirius. (McDonald Observatory holds star parties three times a week: $12 for adults, $8 for kids ages 6 to 12, free for kids 5 and under; mcdonaldobservatory.org; 877-984-7827.) Find one near you: For listings of star parties and telescope viewings, go to telescopes.stardate.org/ guide/public.php or contact your local astronomy club (locate one at skyandtelescope.com/community/ organizations, nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov, or go-astronomy. com). Some national parks, including one of our favorites, Big Bend National Park in Texas, also hold regular stargazing events (search nps.gov by park or event).
When the air takes on a November chill, my family’s thoughts turn to a special holiday treat: rich, tart apple cider. It’s time to head to the Warwick Valley Apple Trail in New York state, which leads to local cider presses and sweet sipping spots. Dark and delicious, the cider they sell is as different from commercial apple juice as cream is from skim milk. Our son, Aidan, 9, a connoisseur since his first seasonal sip at age 1, eagerly awaits the chance to sample varieties from the five farms along our route. Our favorite stop is Pennings Orchard, where we also pick apples and visit baby animals; its wooden hand press gives up our first fragrant cup. The only thing Aidan likes better than cold cider? “Hot, cinnamon-y mulled cider!” he says. Especially when it’s served with warm, cider-infused, nutmeg-flecked doughnuts, which we watch being cooked in the open kitchen. (warwickvalleyapple trail.com; penningsfarmmarket.com; 845986-1059) Find one near you: To create your own cider trail, visit orangepippin.com. It has detailed information on thousands of apple orchards located in more than 40 states, along with descriptions of apple varieties. Some orchards outsource their cider production, so if you want to watch presses in action, call before you go to see if that’s on tap. And ask about other activities they may offer, including apple picking, hayrides, festivals, or visits with farm animals. For ideas on cooking your apple bounty, see nyapplecountry.com/recipes.htm.
Photo by Michael Cummings courtesy of FamilyFun magazine
Stargazers gather several times a week at the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas, for astronomer-led viewings.
Witness wildlife migration If you look down at your binoculars, the guide warns, you’ll lose sight of the birds. Instead, he tells us, keep your eyes on the eagles and bring the binoculars up to your face. Using this technique, we spy a bald eagle sitting on the ice, an ominous blackbacked shadow just far enough away from a flock of mallards that they bob unconcerned in the unfrozen part of the lake. Then it happens. I can’t believe what my three children and I are seeing. The eagle takes to the air and swoops down upon a sickly duck he’s been eyeing, carrying it away in his sharp talons. The Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges, on the California/Oregon border, are the winter homes for one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the country (see right). (They begin arriving in November and stay until March.) But spectacular viewing of the raptors wasn’t our only reward for braving the cold. On the 10-mile Lower Klamath Refuge loop road, we were lucky enough to spot two coyotes, four river otters, one mule deer and a great horned owl. (fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges; 530-6672231) Find one near you: Raptors migrate through or overwinter in many regions of the country. Other hot spots for eagles include Skagit River Bald Eagle Center, Rockport, Wash. (skagiteagle.org); Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Andes, S.D. (fws.gov/ refuge/karl_e_mundt/); National Eagle Center, Wabasha, Minn. (nationaleaglecenter.org); Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City, Mo. (fws.gov/ midwest/squawcreek/); the Mississippi River Visitor
Center, Rock Island, Ill. (nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/ mrvcabou.htm); Black-water National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge, Md. (fws.gov/blackwater); and the American Bald Eagle Foundation, Haines, Ala., (baldeagles. org). At Cape May Bird Observatory, in Cape May, N.J. (birdcapemay.org), you can see many migrating hawks.
Master a corn maze In 2011, my then-7-year-old upped the adrenaline factor on our annual pilgrimage to the corn maze at Lyman Orchards in Littlefield, Conn.: he navigated it unchaperoned, with his three best friends. Four acres of corn way over their heads, and two miles of trails
lymanorchards.com
A Statue of Liberty corn maze at Lyman Orchards. Top, a mother and son plow through a maze in Williamston, Mich.
in which to lose themselves (or not, thanks to teenage “corn cops” posted at major intersections). Seen from above, the maze depicted an American flag with an eagle inset. Designed by international maze maven Brett Herbst, it included two bridges that peeked over the amber waves of grain, but apparently those (and the map) weren’t of much use to our valiant crew of second-graders. “We just kept trying different paths,” Quinn said, explaining their strategy. “It was a little freaky, but it was awesome.” The best part? “When we found the eagle’s eye!” This year’s Lyman Orchards design features Lady Liberty. (Maze is open through Nov. 3; $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4 to 12, free for kids 3 and under; lymanorchards.com; 860-3491793.) Find one near you: There’s now a corn maze in nearly every state. Two online directories (themaize.com and cornmazesamerica.com) can help you locate one in your area. Always check with the hosting farm in advance to confirm details and learn about their other offerings, such as wagon rides, farm stands or pick-your-own harvesting. When you go, wear good walking shoes and pack sunscreen, water and a watch (so you can time your trek).
R8
7 COMMUNITY NEWS
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 6, 2013
DaVita surprises Halifax Urban Ministries with food, money FROM STAFF REPORTS
The staff from DaVita Healthcare Labs located in DeLand surprised Halifax Urban Ministries in Daytona Beach last month with over three shopping carts of donated food, diapers and baby
items valued at more than $600 plus a cash donation of $115. The items were used to help prevent homelessness of struggling area families living in poverty. “Every dollar we can help people save on food and baby items
leaves them another dollar of their hard-earned income to pay for housing and utilities,” stated a press release. “This generated a lot of excitement with our employees. I don’t think there is anything that brings people together like reaching out
in service to others,” said LeAnn Shaw of DaVita, organizer of the benefit drive. “Our teammates recognized a need in our community and came together to support Halifax Urban Ministries. At DaVita, we are a community first and a com-
pany second. We are honored to be a part of and to give back to the Volusia county community,” Shaw added. For more information on donating, visit www.HalifaxUrbanMinistries.org.
Local and state leaders are shown with Covidien employees.
Covidien celebrates 50th year in DeLand
Cleaning up their community
Volusia County Councilwoman Joyce Cusack, Florida State Rep. Dwayne Taylor and State Sen. Dorothy Hukill were among other community leaders and the employees of Covidien celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary in DeLand on Oct. 26. Covidien’s DeLand plant employs about 500 people and operates 24 hours a day, five days a week. The plant manufactures medical supplies, which are then shipped throughout the United States and around the world. Hukill said, “Covidien is a leader in its industry, and is respected worldwide and will continue to be a strong presence in DeLand. In addition to manufacturing, they promote health and well-being throughout the community.”
Turie T. Small Elementary School’s PTA and Dr. Earl Johnson, principal, held a Community Cleanup Day on Oct. 19. Students, teachers and PTA members from the elementary school in Daytona Bach as well as volunteers from Bethune-Cookman University and the University of Central Florida participated in the event. There will be another Community Cleanup Day in the spring.
Scoop up hugs, kisses, and
Savings.
What can make “Mommy and me” time even sweeter? How about the money you save shopping at Publix for your favorite treats and other items your family loves? With a little planning, you can enjoy great Buy One Get One Free deals and weekly specials throughout the store. Bring in your coupons, and save even more. With all the ways Publix helps you stretch your grocery dollars, you can indulge and have something left over: money.
Love To Shop Here. Love To S ave H e r e . For a list of current Buy One Get One Free deals, weekly specials, and coupons, visit publix.com/save. To view deals on your smartphone, scan the code.