Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
Fernandina Beach Mayor Sarah Pelican kicked off the month of November with three proclamations recognizing people and events and a presentation by the Council on Aging.
Veterans’ Remembrance Month
Mayor Pelican, citing the courage and patriotism of all who have served the United States in uniform and the pride of the citizens in remembering and honoring men and women of the military, proclaimed November as “Veterans’ Remembrance Month” and urged citizens to join with her in flying the colors in remembrance of those who have fought and served the United States. Accepting the proclamation on behalf of local veterans’ organizations were Ed Krass, representing American Legion Post 54, Al Lorentson representing VFW Post 4351, Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Paul Kicker representing Everett P. Pope Detachment 1017 of the Marine Corps League and former city commissioner John Crow, representing Vietnam Veterans of Nassau County.
National American Indian Heritage Month
Ms. Cara Curtin, American Indian Representative, accepted a proclamation from Mayor Pelican honoring the contributions of Native Americans by declaring November 2013 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Pelican noted that Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George Bush in August 1990, designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. She urged citizens to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and events.
Recognition of Mr. Philippe Boets
With many supportive citizens and participants in this year’s petanque tournament watching on, Mayor Pelican expressed official appreciation to Philippe Boets for his enthusiastic efforts to promote the City of Fernandina Beach and for his continuing work as an ambassador for the city. Before making the presentation, the mayor introduced a brief slide presentation put together by the Amelia Island Tourism Development Council highlighting Boets’ projects and initiatives since his arrival in the city five years ago:
- Arranging for the Mobile Millenium Carillons with their 48 bells to visit the city’s waterfront in 2010, where it was played by Wylie Crawford, the Chief Carillonneur of the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel;
- Securing the visit of two French tall ships in 2012;
- Organizing a stop on the Tour Americal that brought 160 classic cars traveling from Belgium to Miami to Centre Street in October 2013;
- Establishing the Annual Petanque America Open event, currently in its 5th year;
- Promoting petanque locally in both the community and schools, including forming the largest petanque club in America with more than 125 members.
Mayor Pelican informed the audience that this year’s petanque event, currently underway, features the current world champion and 4 former world champions, along with 128 two-person teams from Europe, Canada and the United States.
Mr. Boets seemed overwhelmed by both the city’s proclamation and the prolonged, standing ovation he received from the audience. In accepting the proclamation, he expressed his love and gratitude to Fernandina Beach and its residents for creating such a welcoming, attractive place that entices people to live and play on Amelia Island.
Council on Aging Presentation
Ms. Janice Ancrum, Executive Director of the Nassau County Council on Aging (COA) came before the city commission to thank city commissioners for their financial support via a grant of $5,000 to be awarded in the FY2013-14 budget year. Ancrum, using the example of a “Mr. M,” highlighted the wide variety of services that COA provides to enable the city’s aging residents to continue to live in place. She said that the COA keeps these people stable and independent as long as possible, the preferred living arrangement for 90% of the older population. She presented the Commission with a framed photo of senior citizens as an expression of gratitude. She shook hands with each commissioner following her presentation.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
November 7, 2013 10:35 p.m.