Holly Hill School receives mini-grant for student garden project

Ormond Beach Observer
Your Town

Holly Hill School recently received a grant from the Florida Farm Bureau that will support a new sustainable garden project for students.

The grant has been awarded for the 2020-2021 academic year under the Farm Bureau's statewide "Ag in the Classroom" program, according to a press release. Three teachers helped the school obtain the funding by submitting an application: STEM teacher Patricia Galbreath, Media Specialist Jennifer Samar and Teacher on Assignment Mallory Cone.

Through the "Sowing Seeds of Hope with Plants: Edible Plants and Herbs" project, students will plant seeds to make connections with the state's life science standards in real life, such as identifying the parts of a plant, their needs and phototropism. Students will also learn about the impacts of a planting season for specific plants and the nutritional value of such plants. They will research how different cultures use harvested foods and explore recipes.

The Florida Farm Bureau has awarded $20,000 in mini-grants to teachers across the state for the 2020-2021 school year, the press release states.

Crotty chosen as new chair for Halifax Health Associates

Halifax Health recently announced its 2021 chair of the Halifax Health Associates, a team of advocates, ambassadors and community leaders who provide the hospital system with input.

Kathy Crotty is a partner at Cobb Cole, PA, and specializes in estate planning and trust administration. She received her bachelor's in accounting from the University of Jacksonville, and her master's of business administration in finance from the University of Florida. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida in 1992.

Joni Hunt, director of government and community relations; Kathy Crotty, Halifax Health Associates chair; and Jeff Feasel, Halifax Health president and CEO. Courtesy photo

While in law school, Crotty served as tax editor of the University of Florida Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif and received the alumni scholarship award at her graduation, according to a press release. She began practicing law after graduation and went on to co-found Crotty and Bartlett, PA in 1999.

Crotty is the former chairperson of the United Way Foundation Board and continues to chair the Herbert M. Davidson Award Committee. She serves on the executive board of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and the Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Fund. Her husband Larry Bartlett was elected as Volusia County Property Appraiser in 2016.

HHS gets new COO

The Halifax Humane Society now has a new chief operating officer, following the retirement of Michelle Pair, who dedicated 27 years of service to the shelter.

Karen Spaulding will be Halifax Humane Society's new chief operating officer. Courtesy photo

According to a press release, Karen Spaulding has devoted her life's work to improving the lives of people and animals. She earned her bachelor's degree in equine science from Colorado State University and began working at the local animal shelter. That led her to a career in animal sheltering and law enforcement.

Spaulding is relocating to DeLand, where she will have space for her two dogs, tow cats and three large birds — all rescues.