- April 26, 2024
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After a fire shut down Creative Living by Marty for a couple of months, the business in Palm Plaza has reopened in a larger space. While the fire resulted in a complete loss of merchandise, the new larger location gives owner Martha Lyons optimism for the future. She’s now in Suite 9A in the plaza, located at 600 S. Yonge St.
Lyons specializes in what she calls “creative upcycles,” home décor, gifts and decorations repurposed from thrift store, yard sale or donated items.
An electrical fire in July left a coat of soot on everything, and couldn’t be cleaned from the merchandise. Losing everything was hard.
“There were a lot of pretty things in there,” she said recently.
The past couple of months were stressful, as she worked into the night after her regular Monday-Friday job making new items and getting her new store ready.
But she was feeling optimistic on Grand Reopening day, Sept. 28.
“It turned into a positive,” she said. “Something good can come out of something bad.”
She now has room to have her own workspace and to display large furniture.
There’s also a permanent place for crafting workshops. In addition to scheduled classes, customers can bring their own item on Saturdays and use the shop paints for a fee. Lyons is available for advice.
“A lot of people want to paint but are afraid to try it,” she said. “Start with something small like an ornament.”
Lyons is a premier retailer for Dixie Belle paint, a chalk mineral paint.
Lyons enjoys giving new life to “previously loved” items and sometimes things take on a new purpose. She has a pet bed made from a newspaper stand and a bench made from a toy box.
She has a knack for seeing possibilities for old items. She’s even rescued things from the side of the road.
“It’s crazy what people throw out,” she said.
Find the shop on Facebook, Instagram or at www.creativelivingbymarty.com. Call 386-299-9248.
Tutoring agency plans open house
A+ Tutoring Inc., 617 S. Yonge St., has announced an Open House for its 25th Anniversary from 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 4. The event is open to past, current and future students, teachers and parents.
Carl Persis, chairman of the Volusia County School Board said, “A+ Tutoring has helped thousands of students gain confidence and reach their educational goals. We thank Muffi Chanfrau and her amazing instructors for twenty-five years of A+ service.”
In addition to providing tutoring services for kindergarten-aged students through adults, A+ Tutoring has been providing reading and math tutoring for up to 19 private schools through a Title One contract with Volusia County Schools, according to a press release.
Those interested in attending the event should call 386.673.9437 or email [email protected].
Visit www.aplustutoringfl.com
DNA study available
Residents can take part in a DNA study at AdventHealth in Daytona Beach. The study, called WholeMe, will screen for the genes linked to a life-threatening genetic condition that causes high cholesterol called familial hypercholesterolemia, according to a press release.
Participants will also learn about their ancestry traits and 22 other personal genetic traits, such as sweet tooth, sleep movement and caffeine metabolism, the release stated.
Previously, enrollment was only possible in Orlando. There is no cost to join. Registration can now be made for appointments from Oct 21 to 23. To learn more or register, visit www.WholeMeFlorida.com.
Security First chief honored
The nonprofit consumer advocacy group, the Federal Association for Insurance Reform, has selected Melissa Burt DeVriese, Security First chief administrative officer and chief legal counsel, as the 2019 recipient of its Founder’s Award.
“She has been integral to our success in helping Floridians protect one of their most valuable assets, their homes,” said Jay Neal, FAIR’s president and chief executive officer.
Locke Burt, founder, chairman and president of Security First Insurance, said in a press release that she played a leading role in changing Florida law to permit the development of flood coverage in the private sector, and now private companies offer lower rates than available from the National Flood Insurance Program. She also played a key role, he said, in changing Florida law to allow companies writing auto insurance to offer discounts to customers who purchase homeowner insurance.
Find Security First on Facebook at InsuringFloridaHomes.
