Ormond Beach's Kaleb Lee performs new single on the Kelly Clarkson Show

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Kaleb Lee and Kelly Clarkson. Courtesy photo
Kaleb Lee and Kelly Clarkson. Courtesy photo
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Ormond Beach's Kaleb Lee recently performed his new single "Nothin' On You" on the Kelly Clarkson Show on NBC, reconnecting with his former The Voice coach.

Lee, who was in season 14 of The Voice, finished in the top 6 while on Clarkson's team. Since the show, Clarkson has been a "massive supporter and advocate" for Lee, a press release stated. After his performance, the two spoke about his career, the new single and the adoption of Lee's son.

“Loved hearing Kaleb Lee’s new single “Nothin’ On You,” Clarkson said. “He’s not only an incredibly talented artist but he’s also just such a great guy which makes you love him even more."

Lee said in the press release that he is continuously "blown away" by the support from his former coach. 

“Kelly has been so supportive and such a great friend,” Lee said. “It was such a blast getting to hang with her and perform on her show.” 

Lee’s single “Nothin’ On You” is available to stream or buy.

Thin Line Coalition hosts festival

The second-annual Blast to the Past Harvest Festival is hoping to travel back in time with fun 50s and 60s-themed games, live music and food, all to help raise money for combat wounded veterans and first responders.

Hosted in partnership by the Thin Line Coalition, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the American Legion Auxiliary on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23-24, the

Lauren and Cliff Morris hold up a Thin Line Coalition banner. Courtesy photo
Lauren and Cliff Morris hold up a Thin Line Coalition banner. Courtesy photo

festival will feature a raffle, vendors' market, beer garden and a Sunday Talent Show. Blast to the Past will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles no. 3800, at 190 S. Nova Road.

“First and foremost, we want to bring our veteran families closer together and help them assimilate back into their communities," said Cliff Morris, Thin Line Coalition founder and president, in a press release. "We at Thin Line Coalition also think our military veterans, our police officers, our firefighters, and our EMTs, that are working tirelessly to keep us safe and secure, deserve more.”

The coalition's first project will be the Joseph F.X Rooney, Sr. Veteran's retreat, which will be a part of the Rooney Family Adventure Lodge, to be an all-inclusive cabin-style resort open to the public. The proceeds will go to hosting combat wounded veterans, and first responders who were injured in the line of duty, for a free week. 

Call 220-5253 or 898-3585 for more information on becoming a vendor or volunteering at the festival.

Deputies honored in quarterly awards

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office recently honored five individuals for excellent work this quarter, two of which are Ormond Beach residents.

Detective Benjamin Gordon was recognized as detective of the quarter for his

Detective Benjamin Gordon and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Courtesy photo
Detective Benjamin Gordon and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Courtesy photo
Citizen Observer Program volunteer Richard Blanchette and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Courtesy photo
Citizen Observer Program volunteer Richard Blanchette and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Courtesy photo

work investigating cases, several of which ended with arrests, and for teaching three new detectives assigned to the Northwest Detectives Unit where he serves as the senior detective, according to a press release. Gordon has worked closely with outside agencies and VCSO's crime scene unit, and is noted for "his work ethic and tenacity to arrest very dangerous criminals."

Gordon was also noted for his work in two commercial burglary trends, an armed burglary, and an armed robbery. All resulted in arrests, the press release stated. He was the case agent in a case of a missing man who violated an injunction by possessing a firearm. The man put a gun to his head and threatened to kill himself during a dispute with his ex-girlfriend, VCSO reported. Gordon was able to negotiate a peaceful surrender.

The second resident recognized was volunteer of the quarter Richard Blanchette of the Citizen Observer program, "an exemplary volunteer" who stepped up to help run the District 3 North office as second-in-command, the press release reported. Blanchette has worked tirelessly to make sure the COPs have appropriate supplies and check the frequency of the program's house watches. He also coordinated an on-call list, scheduling, and VCSO said he was "invaluable in helping the district run smoothly.

Wreaths Across America

Hillside Cemetery will join nearly 2,000 other participating locations across the country to remember, honor and teach as part of Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 14. 

The nonprofit Wreaths Across America recently announced Hillside to be the official location in Ormond Beach for 2019. This is the first year the cemetery will participate, a press release states. WAA started has a gesture of thanks and

Rodney Phillips, president of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1048; Dee Clark, regent of the Capt. James Ormond Chapter DAR; and Robert Adkins, vice president of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1048. Courtesy photo
Rodney Phillips, president of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1048; Dee Clark, regent of the Capt. James Ormond Chapter DAR; and Robert Adkins, vice president of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1048. Courtesy photo

has grown into a national movement of volunteers and communities coming together to remember the nation's fallen and honor their service, and to to teach the next generation about the sacrifices made. More than 2 million volunteers will come together this year in the U.S.

The goal for Hillside is to place wreaths on 200 headstones of the local heroes buried there. Those interested in volunteering, or sponsoring, should visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/FLHILL to learn more. 

In related news, the Volusia, Flagler and Seminole Daughters of the American Revolution Regents Council held a Veterans Day luncheon on Nov. 9 to honor those who served. A total of 90 DAR members, guests, dignitaries and local veterans attended. 

And the student-athlete of the month is...

The Ormond Beach Lions Club recently honored Tanner Barnwell as its Seabreeze High School student-athlete of the month for November. 

Barnwell serves as captain of the varsity soccer team and was named Midfielder of the Year, according to a press release. He is also a Shamrock Soccer Coaches pick and was named Player Development Academy MVP. The Seabreeze soccer team is a three-year state championship contender.

Coach Eli Freidus, Lions Club president Patti Koch and Tanner Barnwell. Courtesy photo
Coach Eli Freidus, Lions Club president Patti Koch and Tanner Barnwell. Courtesy photo

Aside from sports, Barnwell has earned a 4.14 GPA, is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and participated in the Cambridge AICF and Allied Health Academy Programs. He is a Bright Futures scholarship recipient.

Barnwell works as a customer service representative at Gold's Gym in Ormond Beach. He also serves as an emergency medical responder. Upon graduation, Barnwell plans to attend Stetson University and major in health sciences.

 

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