Ellis Island Simulation Day

Third-graders at Imagine School at Town Center learned about immigration during an Ellis Island Simulation Day on Feb. 9. Students dressed as immigrants, carrying “passports” and traveling through rooms to represent different stages like interviews, medical and citizenship testing. The day ended with a “Welcome to America” party.

A model friendship

Tim Taylor and Jim Durso of Palm Coast attended the JaxCon model show and contest on Feb. 10. Taylor builds tanks and armored vehicles, and Durso is a car guy. Both have been building for over 40 years. Taylor won gold medals for his Kommanderwagen and a British Mk1 tank, as well as a bronze medal for an Avenger airplane, which was the first aircraft he’s built since he was a kid. Durso earned a bronze for a 1965 Rambler Marlin with a factory Cortez Aqua paint finish.

PCAF appoints two new trustees

Robert Alex was recently elected as vice president of the Palm Coast Arts Foundation, having served as an active member during its formative years. He previously served on the County Economic Opportunity Advisory Council. Alex has a love for the arts from music to theater.

Anthony Morales, a Palm Coast native and graduate of the University of Florida, was elected to the PCAF Board of Trustees as well. He’s employed by Brown and Brown Insurance and comes to PCAF with experience with music festivals. Morales is involved with the Flagler County Education Foundation Board and United Way Volusia/Flagler.

Sending love to local heroes

Imagine School at Town Center students made valentine cards for police officers and sheriff deputies at Bunnell Police Department, Flagler Beach Police Department and Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Happy 102nd birthday!

Edmund Di Bianco celebrated his 102nd birthday at Mezzaluna Pizzeria in European Village on Feb. 1, with friends and neighbors singing "Happy Birthday." He is a decorated World War II veteran who served in Gen. Patton's Third Army.

MasquerREAD at Old Kings Elementary

Old Kings Elementary School held a MasquerREAD party with the second grade last week. To kick off the event, Indian Trails Middle School jazz band played in the cafeteria. Then, OKES students paraded the halls wearing their masks and carrying their book reports. Students rotated through four stations where guest readers, including Superintendent James Tager, read Mardi Gras-themed picture books to the students.

Meet the author fundraiser

The University Women of Flagler County held its major fundraiser of the year on Feb. 3 at the Florida Agricultural Museum. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly met Craig Johnson, the creator of Sheriff Walt Longmire. Johnson shared anecdotes from his 12-book series and six-season drama on Netflix to 155 fans at the event. UWF will be awarding $12,000 in scholarships this year, said Susan Slater.

Philippine American Association induction ceremony and Valentine’s dance

The Philippine American Association of Palm Coast 2018 Induction Ceremony and Valentine Dinner Dance took place Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Columbian Club of Flagler County. More than 130 PAAPC members and friends attended. Father Alex of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton performed the induction ceremony for the new administrations officers and board members. Aida Seguritan and Arnold Federiso performed a Bolero dance to entertain the crowd. Juanita Patterson and her son Paul were recognized as the most adorable Valentine couple of the evening.

Valentine's Day ceremony at the courthouse

Flagler County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller performed a special Valentine’s Day ceremony to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, on the steps of the Flagler County Justice Center, 1769 East Moody Blvd., building 1, Bunnell. Couples gathered to profess their love publicly.

Student delegates will head to state capitol

On Thursday Feb. 15, members of the American Legion Post 115 and Women’s Auxiliary Unit 115 interviewed eight Flagler Palm Coast High School juniors to be considered for the weeklong leadership program to be held in Tallahassee this summer. The selected delegates will learn about government with hands-on experience.

According to Joe Leahy, chairman of Boys State Post 115, the final selection for delegates and alternates are: Liam Dineen, delegate; Tyler Perry, delegate; Brock Underberg, alternate; Anne Laurie Joseph, delegate; and Karenna Weber, alternate.

Free tax prep

The United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides free tax preparation services to all residents in Volusia and Flagler counties. The tax preparers are IRS-trained and certified. Sites are located locally: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April 16 at NE Florida Community Action Agency, 4750 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell; Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 17 at Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Pine Lakes Parkway S., Palm Coast. All help is done by appointment only. Call 253-0564.

Dogs at Flagler Humane Society in need of adoption

Dusk - 37817837, 4-year-old male Lab mix

Frekels - 35040690, 5-year-old male Lab mix

Kringle - 37530361, 6-year-old male hound mix

Nite Owl - 37460189, 5-year-old male terrier/rotty mix