Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly visited two schools on Monday, Oct. 22, to present two exceptional students with awards for being “Great Kids.”

Marlee Schrum from Matanzas High School was the first recipient of the award for her commitment to academic excellence and her leadership skills as president of the forensic science program and the Law and Justice flagship program. She was nominated by her teacher Gloria Barton.

The second “Great Kids” award was presented to Alex Baker, a student at Wadsworth Elementary School. He was selected for the award by school faculty and his School Resource Deputy after he witnessed a possible crime and reported it to his parents and SRD. Even in elementary school, Alex knew that “if you see something, say something.”

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FCAL celebrates 40 years

The Flagler County Art League wrapped up a 40th-anniversary celebration year with a champagne brunch at the Atlantic Ballroom of the Hammock Beach Resort on Sunday, October 28.

Some 120 members and art appreciators filled the ballroom to toast to four decades during which the organization grew from a club of a dozen or so artists to a membership of almost 500 members. At the same time, attendees feted the next stage of FCAL’s growth, as the league is scheduled to move in early November to a new, larger, more professional gallery in City Marketplace, with additional exhibition and classroom space.

Citizen's Academy has youngest-ever grad

At age 11, Christopher LaiGaie, Jr., became the youngest Palm Coast Citizen’s Academy graduate, according to a news release. A total of 24 locals made up this fall’s graduating class — the 44th in the program’s history.

The Citizen’s Academy meets once a week, usually on Monday evenings, for five straight weeks. The course is free and registration is limited to approximately 30 Palm Coast citizens per session. Registration is now open for three sessions in 2019. Go to https:/www.palmcoastgov.com and search for “Citizen’s Academy.”

Amaral festival fundraiser

Tony Amaral welcomed more than 500 people to the “Amigos do Porto” celebration on Sunday, Oct. 28. The annual fundraising event, which is billed by the Portuguese community as one of the best parties in Palm Coast, fuels the Foundation Antonio Amaral.

The event is organized by Amaral’s daughter, Natalie Cerdeira, who said she was proud of all her father has done to grow and honor the Portuguese community over the past 35+ years, a press release said.

Tradition Portuguese food was enjoyed by local residents and politicians, with entertainment by “Corações de Portugal do PACC” and “Juventude de Portugal.”

Happy 60th anniversary

Erick and Barbara McFarlane, who have lived in Palm Coast since 1998, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 11. The couple raised five children that live in Palm Coast, New York, Colorado and Australia.

“They are proud Americans who emigrated from the Republic of Panama, worked hard and retired to this community,” Colleen McFarlane said of her parents in an email.

Happy 35th anniversary

Rich and Johnna DeCeglie lived in Fort Worth, Texas and Goldsboro, North Carolina before relocating to Palm Coast in 1989. The pair is getting ready to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary on Nov. 5. Johnna DeCeglie is currently a physician with Prompt Care with Florida Hospital Flagler. Rich DeCeglie is a realtor with Watson Realty in Palm Coast. They have three adult sons and enjoy volunteering at the Flagler Auditorium.

PCUMC Trunk or Treat

Palm Coast United Methodist Church held its annual Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 27. Beverly and Gordon Patrick were among those in costume. The pair was dressed as Colonel Sanders and a chicken.

Standing O’s at Anna Maria Soprano concert

Traffic slowed and backed up on Central Avenue, as passersby got out of their cars and listened from the street when the Palm Coast Arts Foundation hosted two performances of Italian opera/Jazz singer, Anna Maria Soprano, known as the Captivating Nightingale, on PCAF’s outdoor stage in Town Center on October 13-14, according to a new release. Both performances were met with multiple standing ovations following her two-hour concerts.

Due to the overwhelming success of her shows, the Palm Coast Arts Foundation plans to book her for a future performance. The event was sponsored in part by Red Roof Plus+ and Parkside Realty Group.

Rotarian receives ‘Rising Star’

The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach announced that April Rust, who was inducted as a new Rotary Club member of Flagler Beach this past May, received a “Rising Star” award in October, according to a press release. Rust was presented with a “Rising Star” pin and certificate at the rotary club’s weekly meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11, by Rotary District Governor Jeanette Loftus.