People Over Politics

HALL OF FAME

NEW:

MOTHER AND SON DANCE

For the first time the Citizens for DeBary,Inc. have sponsored a Mother/Son dance. The dance again was held at the DeBary Elementary School, May 12 th and was a sold out event. A total of 180 tickets were sold with both Mothers and Sons having a blast. This year’s dance theme was a Hawaiian Luau, with all wearing bright colorful Hawaiian attire. There were plenty of games and activities to keep the party moving along, some being a hula contest, a hoola hoop contest with both Mother and Sons participating. Refreshments were served and most needed a cold drink after being on the dance floor rocking to the DJ’s up-tempo selections. The decorations were consistent with the theme and the room was a splash of tropical colors.

A special thanks to the Citizens for DeBary, Inc’s. hard working staff who “make it happen” for all the events they sponsor. Very special thanks to Elena Morales who put in countless hours of preparation to make these events so successful. She coordinates the décor by going out and finding as much theme-related material she can with her limited budget. She also gets all the food and drinks ready for the big night, and who knows what else she does. Elena Morales is a very special person to the Citizens for DeBary, Inc. Also special thanks go to Marcia Carson (President) for her direction and ideas and her ability to get things done on time. She is another dedicated individual who keeps the ship on course. Please, let’s not forget the rest of the hard working staff because without them this kind of function could not happen for DeBary. These are very remarkable individuals who volunteer their time so projects like this can happen.

If you would like to join, contact Alan Williamson (volunteer coordinator) at (386) 668-3820. It may not be financially rewarding but the smile on your face and the good feeling you will get,…..Priceless.

Thanks again Citizens for Debary, Inc you’re a top draw organization.

Lenny Marks

DeBary, FL

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SUBMITTED BY NORM ERICKSON

We joke about Chris Carson being the "Silent Assassin" but silence is golden and sometimes its what we don't say that is most important. In this case it is what Chris Carson does not say to developers. He refuses to meet with them to discuss the direction of the project or what might be; instead he states that if anything is to be discussed it will be done in public at the city council meetings. SHAZAM! Imagine that!

And now I am remembering that in the discussions as to whom should be Vice-Mayor the quality of being available and not overburdened with work was brought up; I think this shows that it might be a benefit not to have too much time on one's hands to work out some sort of deal or open up oneself to doubt how they voted on an issue.

Carson shows that its not always what we say... but what we do that defines us.

Below is an excerpt from the Deland Beacon newspaper:

Not speaking

DeBary City Council Member Chris Carson is sometimes jokingly called "the silent assassin" because he's usually very quiet at meetings. True to form, Carson said he has no intention of speaking with Alexander Woods developers, unless it's during a City Council meeting. The developers' representatives have met privately with other City Council members, to discuss the proposed subdivision on 278 acres that front the St. Johns River

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KUDOS TO OUR CITY MANAGER, MARYANN COURSON Maryann arranged for all of our City Council members and the Asst. City Mgr. to attend a Strategic Planning/goal Setting Workshop this past Saturday 3/18. Mrs. Maryline Crotti was the moderator and did a terrific job. The all-day session covered a wide variety of topics to help Council members organize and plan their meetings,set goals, priorities, objectives and was a hands-on involvement.Not just listening to a Speaker drone on and on. It can only help the Council members, the City and all of us.

Thanks, Maryann

From John, Lenny, and Norm

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CITIZEN’S FOR DEBARY INC.

Congratulations and a big tip of the hat to the Citizens for DeBary, Inc. for putting together a most successful evening by sponsoring the annual Father/Daughter dance. The dance was held at the DeBary Elementry School, March 17 th and was a sold out event. The large crowd (254 tickets sold) enjoyed the night’s festivities especially by the proud fathers and daughters who attended. The air was full of excitement and no one left disappointed. This is what’s it’s all about, my friends. The DJ was outstanding keeping everyone dancing and jumping to the music for most of the night. I did see a few dads who were slowing down near the end. The decorations were awesome and made a delightful sight for all to enjoy and the food and drinks were very enjoyable.

The Citizens for DeBary, Inc. also sponsors other annual events, Christmas Parade, Easter Egg Hunt, and Music on the Green Concerts, not to forget the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances.

The Citizens for DeBary, Inc. should be recognized for their hard work, which is done by a small but hard working staff of volunteers. They are always looking for volunteers who can give some of their time or help in any way possible. If you have some extra time on your hands and would like to help and also have a fun-filled experience call Alan Williamson (volunteer coordinator) at (386) 668-3820.

Next event will be the Easter Egg Hunt, April 8 th at Debary Hall starting at 10:00 am. Come one come all and have a great time watching the kids enjoying themselves.

Thanks again Citizens for DeBary, Inc. you did yourselves proud.

Lenny Marks

DeBary, FL

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Mayor Dennis Mulder and Commissioner Zenaida Denizac for opposing the committment of further monies to the Partnership Center. Why did they vote against the Partnership?

"I do not like putting money into something we do not know what we are getting out of it. I would like the details. I do not want to fund it blindly," Mulder said. Bravo!

This quote is from the Daytona News-Journal 2/7/06.

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Neighborhood watch

Monday night January 30, 2006, Mr. Alan Williamson, Debary’s Volunteer Coordinator, held a meeting at Florence K. Little (Town Hall) to inform residents about forming neighborhood watch programs.

There were flyers and other pamphlets given to everyone containing lists of do’s and don’ts plus all kinds of useful information. He gave a short presentation with important information to pass along to the 25 to 30 concerned citizens in attendance. He then answered questions from the audience. Mr. Williamson then introduced Capt. Osowski and Lt. Brannon from the sheriff’s department to go over any areas that they thought would be beneficial to the presentation.

Everyone in attendance came away with information that not only will protect themselves and their family from being put in bad situations, but keep the neighborhood safer. One of the most important actions that can be taken is to form a neighborhood watch with Block Captains working with the sheriff’s department. This is how it works, a resident who sees something that’s out of order, promptly contacts the Sheriff’s department first, and then the resident is to contact their Block Captain who informs the Coordinator about the situation. The Coordinator contacts the other Block Captains who will contact the residents of their block. This is so easy and a good idea.

If you did not attend this meeting, more are planned in the future. Make it a point to attend; it only helps you understand what you can do if an emergency arises or if something just doesn’t look right to you. When in doubt call the sheriff, better to be safe then sorry.

Also in attendance were Mayor Coleman, Vice Mayor Fulton and Councilman Lenzen. Kudos to all who attended this presentation and I’m sure everyone walked away with a great deal of useful information. This can only help keep your neighborhood safer for you and your family.

POP Personal

DeBary , FL

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Councilmember Chris Carson, Shannon Pike and Staff,

We wanted to take a moment to thank you and say congratulations for a job well-done at Gateway Park, Saturday, December 10 th.

Everything was wonderful – from the light show, to the music - to the activities for the children, even when Joanne got hit in the jaw with a snowball. It was fantastic! Not many people in DeBary can say that.

We have heard only superlatives about the event – justly so.

Both Lenny and I, along with many others, will certainly pass the word to attend next year.

We greatly look forward to it.

Once again job well done.

Lenny & Joanne Marks

Debary, FL

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BILL KELLER PARK

COME AND APPRECIATE OUR PARK

Have you ever been to Bill Keller Park? If not, do yourself a favor and visit this little treasure. There are three baseball fields, two full basketball courts, two full tennis courts, shuffle board and a large area for the kids with swings and slides. There also are two pavilions for having a little bite to eat or just relaxing. You may choose to walk around and take in the wild life that lives within the wooded areas. There are plenty of birds for the bird watchers to enjoy. You may also want to take the physical fitness course that is available, both for the beginner or the more advanced user.

So, dress up the kids, pack a lunch and come to the park. If you don’t have any children, do the same and enjoy a few hours alone with Mother Nature

You can be proud of this park and kudos to the city for keeping it in great condition for all to enjoy.

Lenny Marks

Debary, FL

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Since taking office Vice-Mayor Fulton has been consistent in sending weekly updates via email. One of the issues citizens have with most forms of government is communication. Fulton has done a great job in keeping in contact with people, giving updates on issues, as well as informing people what is happening around town as it relates to activities, entertainment, and/or ceremonies to attend. This is not a requirement of taking office; he does it to keep people informed and aware.

Thank you Vice-Mayor Fulton.

Norm Erickson

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DEBARY CIVIC ASSOCIATION

The Debary Civic Association, 38 Shell Road , offers you an opportunity to join in on many activities. They have AARP meetings, craft clubs, senior day, square and line dancing, to name just a few. So, give up that commercial packed TV and find out what is available to your liking at the Center. Spend a few hours making new friends, having informative conversations and a few laughs to top it off.

The person in charge is Sharon Pertler, and, let me tell you, she is one hard-working individual. She is there everyday, doing whatever is necessary to make the Civic Association a success.

I personally worked with her during the clothing and toy drive for the people of the hurricane ravaged Gulf Coast. She organized and kept going until many hundreds of boxes were placed on a truck and on their way. We are so fortunate to have this unsung hero of Debary doing so much for the community. In my humble opinion, she should have a key to the city, for she has done as much for Debary as any of the others who have been awarded that honor.

Lenny Marks

DeBary , FL

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