For the second time in less than a year, Volusia County employees showed their true mettle in responding to a major hurricane. Hurricane Irma set

its eye on Volusia County in early September, just 11 months after Hurricane Matthew caused widespread destruction across Florida. Employees from every division answered the call to help prepare residents for Irma’s onslaught. They did so with courage, integrity and professionalism, leaving their homes during an emergency to support preparedness, response and recovery. I give a special commendation to our Emergency Management staff, which prepares year-round for disasters and once again did an incredible job of coordinating the county’s efforts. Our recovery efforts continue as staff coordinates disaster assistance with FEMA, removes hurricane debris, and deals with the damage to county facilities including the Daytona Beach Administration Center and Daytona Beach Regional Library. I thank each of you for your heroic response to Hurricane Irma. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. – Jim Dinneen

Volusia County Beach Safety Specialist Clayton Dubrule (second from left) competes in the board rescue race with top lifeguards from around the nation. (USLA photos by Chris Tropea)

Months of planning and training came together in August as nearly 1,000 of the nation’s top lifeguards converged on Daytona Beach for the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) National Lifeguard Championships.

Representing 60 lifeguard agencies from Honolulu to the Hamptons, these top- performing athletes tested their strength and speed on land and in the water.

The four-day event, which was open to USLA members, included board races, surf swims, surf boat races, beach flag and rescue races, running relays, iron man and iron woman competitions, and a 2K beach run.

“This competition brings thousands of people to our area and has a tremendous economic impact,” said Mark Swanson, deputy director of Public Protection. “We have the best beach and great surf for this type of competition, as well as the perfect backdrop for spec-tators to watch these professional athletes compete.”

To bring a competition of this magnitude to the area, a planning committee led by Swanson, Beach Safety Director Ray Manchester and Lifeguard Supervisor Bryon White took lessons learned from the 2015 competition and met regularly to ensure a successful event. White is the president of the Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association.

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(continued from page 1) With tremendous support from the City of Daytona Beach and county divisions, as well as outstanding sponsor support from more than 40 businesses and organizations, the committee was able to add a food court and an expo feel to the event with a well-laid-out site plan. Top sponsors included Brown & Brown Insurance, the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR and Southern Stone Communications. As the planning geared up for the competition, more than 60 Volusia County lifeguards and junior lifeguards were gearing up for the championships. Training started in March and was led by Lifeguard Supervisor AJ Miller and Capt. Tammy Malphurs. More than 300 junior lifeguards, ages 8 to 18, kicked off the four-day event with a day full of competitions. The events promoted camaraderie and prepared the young athletes for future competitions as adults.

Capt. Tammy Malphurs completes the board race.

The competition heated up when the adult lifeguards took center stage on day two, demonstrating the speed, strength and stamina normally reserved for Olympic events.

Volusia County lifeguards grabbed sixth place overall, a powerful showing for a lifeguard organization that is continuing to develop its competition team.

Volusia County’s team included Ken Bots, Dan Carrazana, Brandon Cavanaugh, Blake Curry, Thomas DuBrule, Arthur Gehris, Jessica Gerber Andrews, Cameron Goss, Thomas Haire, James Hayworth, Jackson Hewson, Alan Holt, Troy James, Aaron D. Jenkins, Jessica King, Allie Lydecker, Caroline Lydecker, Tamra Marris, Jay Mays, AJ Miller, Jacob Morgan, Kim Murphy, April O'Gorman, Levi Parsons, Ivo Pavlov, Hallie Petersohn, Deborah Roberts, Tristian Rodriguez, Ryan Skinner, Anthony Skinner, Derek Taylor, Laura Warner, Madison Young and Levi Zinke.

Lifeguards Hallie Petersohn and April O’Gorman were the women’s overall top performers for Volusia County, placing fourth and fifth in a tough field of competitors.

Volusia County lifeguards Ryan Skinner, Jessica Andrews, Levi Parsons, and Levi Zinke compete in the landline event. First-place finishers from Volusia County were: • Ken Bots in the 55-59 age group of the Men’s 2K

Beach Run • Arthur Gehris in the 45-49 age group of the Men’s

Run-Swim-Run • Jessica King in the Open Women’s Taplin Relay, • Tammy Malphurs in the 40-44 age group of the

Women’s 2K Beach Run • AJ Miller in the 30-34 age group of the Men’s Surf

Race and the Men’s American Ironman • Kim Murphy in the 45-49 age group of the Women’s

2K Beach Run • April O'Gorman in the Open Women’s Taplin Relay • Hallie Petersohn in the Open Women’s Surf Race and

Open Women’s Taplin Relay

Volusia County’s lifeguards represent the best of the best. The skills they tested at the competition demonstrate what they do on a day-to-day basis as they protect millions of people enjoying our beaches.

Congratulations to all the staff who worked on this event, as well as the lifeguards who competed at the championships, on a job well done.

The Launch Pad at the Daytona Beach Regional Library hosted two tech camps this summer that were jam-packed with robotics, electronics and weird science.

The camps were led by tech-savvy librarians Deborah Shafer and Erica Davis.

Check out these videos, which were filmed by students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=210vPESLpOg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkS8Rx-bG0E

Congratulations to Paramedic Beth-Ann Mondor, who received the Blue Flame Award from Florida Hospital DeLand’s Foundation. The annual award, in its 10th year, honors health care professionals who have distinguished themselves by

going above and beyond in their commitment to their work and community.

Mondor, who has worked for Beacon Ambulance and EVAC/Emergency Medical Services since 1981, says she loves her job because no two days are the same. During her career, she has helped people get through crises, delivered more than 30 babies, treated 32 injured skydivers (some who made it and some who didn’t), and disarmed people who might have harmed others. She also was one of the first paramedics to serve aboard Air One and has volunteered countless hours training school-children and first responders.

Jason Lademann graduated from the University of Central Florida in May with a master’s degree in business admin-istration. While working toward his degree, he took advantage of the county’s partial tuition reimbursement program, which

allowed him to take out fewer student loans.

Lademann also has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Florida. He joined EVAC/Emergency Medical Services as an emergency medical technician in 2009 and advanced to the position of field training officer in 2015.

Aaron Van Kleeck recently received a bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Phoenix. With a 4.0 GPA, he was selected to give the commencement speech.

A 14-year career employee, Van Kleeck has been climbing the county ladder. He spent eight years with Road and Bridge and four years with Parks, Recreation and Culture before joining the Management and Budget Office as a budget analyst in January 2016. He was promoted to special projects coordinator in November 2016.

From left: Lisa Lewis, Frank Celeste, Edda Rosado and DeLynda Russell.

Supervisor of Elections Lisa Lewis and three of her staff members – Frank Celeste, Edda Rosado and DeLynda Russell – recently earned the title of Master Florida Certified Elections Professional. The certification program provides Florida elections officials, their staff and vendors the opportunity to receive additional election education on topics such as voter registration, media relations and election workers. The master designation is awarded to individuals who complete all three levels of MFCEP training. Lewis’ goal is to send all Elections staff members through the program.

From left: Rhonda Orr, Patty Thomas, Craig Baumgardner, Karen Crites and Tonya Rose.

Revenue’s Craig Baumgardner, Karen Crites, Tonya Rose and Patty Thomas earned the designation of Certified Florida Collector Assistant (CFCA) in July. Revenue Director Rhonda Orr earned the Certified Florida Collector (CFC) designation. Each employee completed 120 hours of requisite classes and passed the written exams for the designations.

You know exercise is good for your health. But there’s always an excuse for dodging it – you’re too busy, too tired or just plain bored with exercise. It’s time for a fresh approach. With a little extra motivation, you can create an exercise routine you’ll feel good about.

Try these tips:

1. Set one small goal. Instead of saying, “I’m going to

exercise every day for an hour, count calories at every meal and lose 10 pounds in 30 days,” start with one goal that’s achievable. “I’m going to add 10 more minutes of exercise to my day.” If you currently get no exercise, any improvement is a great start. Build on small successes by continuing to add more minutes to your exercise routine.

2. Sign up for a race. You don’t have to be a runner

to enter a 5K race. These events are a great way to get motivated to exercise and have fun with family and friends. You can get ready for the race at your own pace. You might start by walking for 20 minutes and gradually increase the intensity of your workout to alternate jogging and walking. (See page 5 for information about the Daytona Beach Half Marathon.)

3. Make an exercise pact. Put your exercise plans in

writing or post them on social media. It makes your

commitment real, and people may even offer encourage- ment. Making a pact with a friend is even more powerful because there’s someone to hold you accountable. Sign up for an exercise class together or schedule workouts on your calendar.

4. Exercise your own way. You don’t have to go to the

gym to exercise. Find an activity you enjoy – such as tennis, golf, kayaking or hiking. Or, add more movement to your day by walking, taking the stairs or playing in the park with your kids.

5. Get inspired by others. Read success stories and

remind yourself that anything is possible. Make connec- tions with people who encourage each other to exercise. Work with a personal trainer or join a running club for a boost of encouragement.

6. Focus on the benefits. Getting regular exercise is one

of the best things you can do for your health. It helps you feel good, control your weight, sleep better, fight disease and live longer.

7. Give yourself a pep talk. Negative self-talk can derail

your plan to exercise. Tell yourself, “I can do this,” and replace worries and doubts with positive thoughts.

8. Reward yourself. When you work hard and reach your

goal, it’s time to celebrate. Treat yourself to something special. You should consult your doctor for medical advice or services, including seeking advice before undertaking a new diet or exercise program.

Lisa Somers, R.N., is a Cigna employee who can assist you and your family members who are actively enrolled in the Cigna plan. She coordinates programs and health promotions to help employees and their dependents lead healthy lifestyles. Contact Somers at ext. 13249 or cignaadvocate@volusia.org.

Job: As senior staff assistant in Animal Control, Shari Williams manages the dispatchers and oversees the spay/neuter programs. Hire date: Williams began her career with the county as an animal control officer in June 2000. Hometown: Williams was born on a military base in Stuttgart, Germany, and has lived in many states, including Texas and Colorado. She moved to Florida in 1999.

Spare time: Williams enjoys spending time with family, including her grandson who lives next door. Personal: Williams has two sons. Her older son is in the U.S. Navy and just returned home from an eight-month deployment to Fujairah, and her younger son is preparing for his enlistment into the U.S. Army later this year. She has three granddaughters and one grandson. She also has six cats, a side-effect of her job.

It’s time to start thinking about lacing up those sneakers in preparation of the 2018 Daytona Beach Half Marathon. The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, three weeks before the 60th annual Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race.

The half marathon features a breathtaking course that takes runners from the historic asphalt of Daytona International Speedway through quiet neighborhoods to City Island, over the International Speedway Boulevard bridge for a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, to the hard-packed sands of Daytona Beach and then to the start/finish line inside the iconic motorsports facility. In 2017, we had 2,984 participants from throughout the United States and four countries! Registration through Jan. 31 is $85 for the Half Marathon, $75 for the Half Marathon Relay, $35 for the 3.1-mile Lap the Track, and $145 for the Speedway Challenge. For more information or to register, visit DaytonaBeachHalf.com.

April Thomas Bertolami, Sheriff's Office, 25 Morris Froscher, Sheriff's Office, 16 David Gallinari, Sheriff's Office, 13 Michael Inglett, Fire Services, 22 David Ingram, Sheriff's Office, 17 Carolyn Long, Sheriff's Office, 25 Chico Mandizha, Sheriff's Office, 25 Ilva Morales, Corrections, 13 James Koczan, Fire Services, 13 Susan Macomber, Library Services, 17 Margaret Peterson, Ocean Center, 31 Patricia Sowell, Library Services, 19 Martha Swanson, Library Services, 21 Michael Telegdy, Sheriff's Office, 20 Patrick Thoman, Sheriff's Office, 25 Timothy Quigley, Sheriff's Office, 27

May Edward Gross, Beach Safety, 38 Thomas Frazier, Sheriff's Office, 23 Charles Kirkpatrick III, Information Technology, 28 Ronald McCroskey, Sheriff's Office, 27 Lt. James Morgan, Sherriff’s Office, 30 Anne Smith, Sheriff's Office, 23

June Gary Davidson, Sheriff's Office, 22 Pamela Dreisbach, Property Appraiser's Office, 11 Sandra Hulvey, Property Appraiser's Office, 29 William Morgan Jr., Road and Bridge, 34 Jack Rawlins, Environmental Management, 29 Susan Terminello, Sheriff's Office, 14

July Ken Alfano, Parks, Recreation and Culture, 25 Tania Baldauf, Library Services, 22 Vicky Bowen, Sheriff's Office, 15 Pete Musslewhite, Central Services, 36 Lisa Sessions, Engineering and Construction, 16 Janet Shover, Court Administration, 27 Catherine Nelson, Property Appraiser's Office, 28 Peter Palazzotto III, Sheriff's Office, 15 Christopher Westfall, Sheriff's Office, 26 James Whittet, Sheriff's Office, 29

August Lee Bennett, Road and Bridge, 10 Daniel Genovese, Sheriff's Office, 25 Gaylon Hulvey, Central Services, 23 Roger Peterson, Parks, Recreation and Culture, 25 Maria Sotomayor, Sheriff's Office, 12

September Robyn Adair, Sheriff's Office, 13 Bonnie Graham, Road & Bridge, 30

October Jerry Bhothipiti, Information Technology, 29 Claudia Hutchinson, Library Services, 16 Diane Keane, Library Services, 10 Stuart Jones Jr., Parks, Recreation and Culture, 22 Agnes Rivera, Library Services, 28 Andrea Westmoreland, Security, 11

The Florida Sheriffs Association recently honored Deputy Justin Ferrari of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office as the 2017 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Ferrari and other deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call in July 2016 from Victoria Rosado after her husband opened fire inside the home they shared, shooting her in the leg. Deputy Ferrari acted swiftly once he arrived at the scene, getting Victoria and her three kids to safety.

After getting Victoria to a neighbor's home, Ferrari then rushed to help the three children as they ran crying out of the house. Once the children and their mother were safe, Ferrari checked on his fellow officers before they arrested Emmanuel. “When we say law enforcement officers run toward danger as others run away, this is exactly the type of situation we are talking about,” said Sheriff Mike Chitwood. “The deputies who responded to the shooting incident in Deltona didn't hesitate; their instincts and training kicked in. Deputy Justin Ferrari represents what we all in law enforcement stand for: honor, integrity, service and courage.” “The sacrifices these men and women make daily go beyond what most people would ever do,” said FSA President and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. “When I hear about deputies facing these situations with courage, I feel honored to be serving alongside them.” Steve Casey, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said, “When we have deputies confronting these types of situations the way Deputy Ferrari did, and apply what they are taught in training, it’s a testament to the fact that Florida’s sheriffs set the bar for the nation.”

For more information on Deputy Ferrari’s heroic actions, check out his spotlight video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEy5RL556f4.

Ten members of the Volusia County Sheriff's Office were recognized for their exemplary work during the third quarter. A unit commendation was presented to Sgt. Cody Cochran, Sgt. Keith Peck, Deputy Stephen Corbin, Deputy Corey

Rittenour, Deputy James Seyboldt and Telecommunica-tions Supervisor Christina Crane for their roles in handling a dramatic incident involving a suicidal person. Crane was named Telecommunicator of the Quarter for her efficient and conscientious performance when handling this call. During the incident, she provided the deputies with real-time updates that, along with the deputies' actions, prevented loss of life. Deputy of the Quarter Steven Woell was honored for his proactive approach to law enforcement and his exceptional motivation and initiative. Detective of the Quarter Miguel Roman was recognized for his diligence, attention to detail and ability to think outside the box to solve crimes and apprehend criminals. Employee of the Quarter Frederick Wenk was honored for his initiative, diligence and resourcefulness as he has tackled new projects as the materials coordinator. Volunteer of the Quarter Earl D. Bennett was recognized for his initiative, organizational skills and willingness to assume new assignments at District 2. The Problem Solving Award Citation went to Senior Deputy Randy Post for his innovative and cost-effective method of relocating the rifle racks in the VCSO marked patrol cars. Sheriff Mike Chitwood recognized the honorees and thanked them for their service.

From left: Deputy Cody Cochran, Detective Miguel Roman, volunteer Earl Bennett, Fred Wenk, Telecommunications Supervisor Christina Crane, Chief John Creamer, Sgt. Keith Peck, Deputy Corey Rittenour, Deputy James Seyboldt, Deputy Steven Woell and Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

Volusia County’s Geographic Information Services staff will host GIS Day activities from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the second-floor training room of the Historic Courthouse, 125 W. New York Ave., DeLand. Employees from several county divisions will join the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Lynx and the Central Florida GIS Workshop in demonstrating real-world applications of geographic information systems (GIS). GIS, the “science of where,” allows users the ability to capture, store, maintain and display data related to features that surround us such as streets, land use, ownership and service boundaries. This enables people to more easily see, analyze and understand patterns and relationships. For more information, call GIS Section Manager Al Hill at ext. 13470.

The Ocean Center will host the seventh annual Light up Volusia from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, on the east plaza. Employees and the public are invited to kick off the holiday season with this free, fun-filled holiday event. Highlights include the lighting of a 50-foot holiday tree at 7:15 p.m., the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, holiday refreshments, children’s activities, entertainment, holiday showcases and a gingerbread house competition. Entertainment includes the Beu Sisters, Crescendo Amelia, stilt walkers, the Grinch, face painters, balloon artists and more. For more information, call 386-254-4500 or visit www.oceancenter.com/lightupvolusia.

County employees are joining with other public employees from Volusia County Schools, Daytona State College, the Florida Department of Health and local cities to see which organization can collect the most food per full-time employee. County

divisions are also competing against each other in an effort to increase donations and foster good will.

It’s all part of the Feed the Need program, which has been spearheaded by Volusia County Government for the past seven years.

County employees are asked to bring in nonperishable food items or monetary donations from Nov. 13 to 27 to help feed needy people in Volusia County.

A separate element of the food drive is “Food for Fines” in which library patrons with late fees will receive a $1 reduction of overdue fines up to $25 for each non-perishable food item they bring to the library.

Last year, the food drive collected more than 184,000 pounds of food. Let’s go for another record-breaking year!

Did you recently earn a college degree, receive an award or certification, perform valuable community service, or come up with a great idea to reduce costs or improve service in your department? Is your division doing something new and exciting?

If so, please send your story to the folks in Community Information at newsletter@volusia.org.

Ed Kelley, County Chair Joyce Cusack, At-large

Deb Denys, Vice Chair, District 3 Pat Patterson, District 1 Billie Wheeler, District 2 Heather Post, District 4

Dr. Fred Lowry, District 5 Jim Dinneen, County Manager