Houseboating through History in Volulsia County

This year's Florida Quest adventure, sponsored by The Daytona Beach News-Journal's Newspaper in Education program and WDSC television, Channel 15, is "Houseboating through History."

Participating Volusia and Flagler teachers of third through sixth grades will kick off the program with an introductory lesson the week of April 20. The program revolves around the fictional story of four local youngsters taking a boat trip north along the Intracoastal Waterway to Jacksonville and back to DeLand via the St. Johns River. Along the way, they use clues from the story they read in class, the newspaper, Channel 15 and the Internet to solve puzzles related to local history.

The program includes information on Spanish and French settlements, forts, battles and Native American customs and culture. It's matched to state academic standards in language arts and social studies and designed to improve students' critical-thinking skills.

Clues will be published in the Accent section of The News-Journal for four consecutive Mondays beginning April 27.

If you have a child in 3rd through 6th grade, encourage them to take part. Sounds like a fun way to teach and learn history!

Ormond Beach Florida - it's a great life!

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com

(source: News-Journal Online)

At Your Service in Volusia County

As many people worldwide celebrate Holy Week, regardless of your religion it makes you think of others less fortunate than you might be, and how you can help.

The News-Journal weekly prints At Your Service, a column describing hot lines and volunteer opportunities in Volusia County.

While there are many, here are three which are timely:

American Red Cross-Florida's Coast to Coast Chapter -- Disaster Action Team volunteers needed to respond to single family or apartment fires. Also, disaster services volunteers are also needed for disaster planning, preparedness, community disaster education and mitigation.

Children's Home Society -- Volunteers are needed to serve on the board of directors. Attend the Board Recruitment Breakfast on April 21, to learn about the agency, its services, an the expectations of a board member of a nonprofit.

Easter Seals Joey's Gift -- Respite care volunteers needed once per month to serve as playtime companions to children with special needs while their caregivers have some personal time off (April 18 in Daytona Beach, April 25 in DeLand).

And two related to my industry:

Flagler Habitat for Humanity -- Volunteer committee members are needed to serve on the Development, Family Selection, & Family Support committees. Clerical volunteers are also needed.

Southwest Volusia Habitat for Humanity -- Skilled construction volunteers are needed for building homes on Saturdays in Southwest Volusia County.· Star Family Center -- Front desk/receptionist, clothes and donation sorting, mailings and data input volunteers. Training provided.

I'll write a later blog on Habitat for Humanity, but it is one of the most wonderful volunteer opportunities we Realtors have to serve the community.

Get involved - visit At Your Service on News-Journal Online.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
http://www.ormondbeachflhome.com/
sherry@sherryarmstrong.com