- December 15, 2025
Gospel groups drew more than 200 to a free concert at the hospital; a local Cub Scout has donated 1,400 shoes over the years; and, Congregation B’Nai Torah will have a guest cantor this weekend.
BY THE OBSERVER STAFF
Florida Family Hospital hosted a free concert
More than 200 community members joined Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center for a free concert Saturday, Nov. 2. The ninth-annual “Caring for Family Concert” featured Omega, an award-winning contemporary Southern Gospel group, and the Ormond Beach Riverbend Church Praise Team.
LaDonna Bond, administrative assistant for Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center’s Pastoral Care and Mission and Ministry Department, said, “The stage, background and lighting were beautiful and totally transformed the look, making the lobby feel more like a miniature concert hall.”
Soles for Souls collects 1,400 pairs of shoes
Matthew Monroe, the child who has been asking for shoes to donate to Soles for Souls every year for his birthday instead of gifts, has reached a milestone. Monroe enlisted the help of his fellow Cub Scouts, Pack 74, and together they have collected 1,400 pairs of shoes.
Soles for Souls collects new and used shoes and clothes to donate to residents in need.
For info call his mother Cynthia at 678-525-3160
Cantor Lance Rhodes to lead weekend services
Cantor Lance Rhodes will lead a special weekend of prayer, music and education at Congregation B’Nai Torah, 403 N. Nova Road, in honor of his homecoming. Rhodes has served as a student cantor for many different synagogues since 2004, in New Jersey, Nyack and New York. His roots with B’nai Torah go back to the start of the congregation, when he was a teenager attending Spruce Creek High School.
“I’m looking forward to coming back home,” he said from Houston. “It’s the first time I’ll be leading services there in five years.”
In addition to services both days, he will host a Saturday Lunch and Learn, followed by a Jewish music workshop and concert performance in the evening at the temple in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler counties. All events are free.
Call 672-1174
