To say that is has been a while since my last post is quite laughable. Looking back over the dates it seems that I abandoned the blogging ship just after my life was hijacked (I write that with a smile) but this is the season to be thankful, which I am completely.
I managed to fill this year with the largest life changing moments I could possibly dream up, after giving birth to children of course. I became a partner in a local restaurant, The Island Grille, which has been a tsunami of learning experiences. I also got married to a wonderful man and celebrated with a town full of family and friends in the most awesome way! Those two are the highlights, but there are many more outstanding moments that I have been bursting to share with you all. It just seems that the longer I was away, the harder it was for me to write. So now I am just going to dive in.
I recently received a press release from our local police Captain Matthew P. Doughney about a program the police department was having. While I’m sure there will be folks who’ll find some way to be negative, this made me smile and was one of the reasons I wanted to start writing again. This has Mayberry written all over it and I couldn’t feel prouder.
“Toys for Tickets Program”
The Flagler Beach Police Department is proud to announce a new initiative for the 2015
holiday season. Citizens who receive a warning citation for a traffic or parking offense will have the opportunity to donate a toy to “Christmas Come True” in lieu of paying a fine. “Christmas Come True” is a non-profit organization based in Flagler Beach, whose
mission is “to provide a complete Christmas experience for area resident parents who are unable to financially afford a traditional Christmas for their families.”
Beginning Monday, November 16, 2015 and continuing through Friday, December 11,
2015, Flagler Beach Police Department Officers, at their discretion, will be issuing “toy waivers” along with warning citations for non-criminal State traffic and/or City parking offenses. The “toy waiver” allows the motorist to donate a new, unwrapped toy to “Christmas Come True” instead of having to face a potential civil fine.
Doesn’t that make you smile? My town is awesome! I don’t really think I could ever list all the wonderful things that local citizens do to make other people and animal live’s better. There is a lot of good here, which brings me to my next highlight.
Photo by Bradley Krisher
Not many places have a local 7-11 in which the owner not only works but also participates in the local beach clean-ups. As one of the first members of the Flagler Beach All-Stars, Eric Cooley is a pretty solid guy and can be seen sweeping up his property at any given time. This year he has offered to host and hand out free Thanksgiving Meals from his parking lot. The servings will take place from 2-4pm and are available to anyone who shows up. Team Feed Flagler sponsors this event. But Eric won’t be alone…our Mayor Linda P will be with him! Linda has been dividing her time between saving the world and decorating it. The last few weeks she has commandeered the task of re-vamping the city’s Christmas decorations. This is an undertaking folks… I have the blisters to prove it. But there is a silver lining to the time and effort spent as ideas are often born when you are doing something mundane. Last year we came up with the idea for “Light up Flagler Beach,” our holiday light contest and of course we have added a new component for this year! Sooooo….keep posted.
Last but not least, the season has arrived when folks are out shopping for their specials in force. As a small business owner for many, many years, I am always happy when I hear people say that they love to support the mom and pop stores. This is so important and many times where you find the best gifts! So spread some cheer when you are out on the streets with your shopping lists for loved ones.
And now my family has started to wake up…perfect timing.
I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thank you for being here! Cheers!
