Astro Skate of Ormond Beach holds first speed meet

Ormond Beach Observer
Your Town

Children take part in the speed meet. Courtesy photo

Astro Skate of Ormond Beach held a speed meet on Nov. 21, marking the event as the first in the city's since the 1970s, according to the rink.

"This was an exciting and fun event and we thank you all for your efforts and participation," the business wrote on its Facebook page.

The roller skating rink, located at 250 N. U.S. 1, is offering speed skating beginner lessons every Wednesday. Call 386-672-8500.

Speed skaters show off their skills on the rink. Courtesy photo

A badge of honor

Justin Alley, of the U.S. Coast Guard, recently advanced to master chief on Nov. 29, the highest rank available to enlisted members.

According to an announcement, less than 1% of the Coast Guard's enlisted personnel achieve this rank. Alley is the officer in charge of the Coast Guard Station in Ponce Inlet, which covers the waters up through St. Augustine, and is responsible for a 28-member crew. He is rated as boatswain's mate, specializing in the

Caley Falknor Hayes and Justin Alley. Courtesy photo

operation and command of large ships and small boats to execute the Coast Guard's primary missions of search and rescue, as well as federal law enforcement on local waters.

Previously, Alley has received three Coast Guard Commendation medals, two Coast Guard Achievement medals, two commandant's letter of accommodations, among other personal and service awards. He is a permanent cutterman with nine years of sea time.

Alley has two children, Jackson and Jaycee, and three attend Salty Church. Alley also recently got engaged to Caley Falknor Hayes, of Ormond Beach. The two plan to marry at Bailey Riverbridge Gardens.

Justin Alley's badge is pinned by his children, Jackson and Jaycee. Courtesy photo

Grant for homes

On Friday, Dec. 3, Homes Bring Hope announced that JPMorgan Chase made a $100,000 grant in support of the nonprofit agency's mission.

According to a press release, Homes Bring Hope — founded by Forough Hosseini, senior vice president of ICI Homes and longtime philanthropist — aims to "help people break the cycle of generational poverty through homeownership and home equity."

Shayla Howell and her sons. Courtesy photo

“It is wonderful to have the support of JPMorgan Chase in our efforts to help people transition from paying rent to actually owning a home and building equity, which economists agree is a major factor in triumphing over poverty,” Hosseini said. “This grant will enable us to help as many as 15 families who don’t qualify for a mortgage amount paralleling the total cost of the house they want to buy. It will transform lives. It will have a major effect on our community and set the stage for helping many more families in the years ahead.”

Shayla Howell and her sons became proud owners of their first home thanks to Homes Bring Hope. She is the first of the nonprofit's clients to be supported by the JPMorgan Chase grant.

Homes Bring Hope is a collaboration of business leaders, community advocates, elected officials and philanthropists. For more information, visit homesbringhope.org