Freedom exhibit sets stage for 9-11 memorial

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

“Phoenix Rising,” an artistic tribute to 9/11, will be shown publicly for the first time at 6:15 p.m. tonight, Friday, Sept. 6, at Ocean Books & Art, 200 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach. The exhibit will be on display all month.

"At the last moment, we have arranged for two bagpipers and one drummer (all former NYPD Bagpipe Brigade members) from the Ancient City Pipers to appear and play this evening during the 9-11 Remembrance part of our "Freedom" art opening reception," Gallery Owner Frank Gromling wrote in an email. "The remembrance will start at 6:15 and include a brief prayer by the Rev. Billy Wight (Palm Coast Community Church), a moment of silence, "Amazing Grace" by the bagpipers, and the first public unveiling of "Phoenix Rising."

Gromling added: "This should be a poignant event to help us remember 9-11."

Artists contributing to this special event include Joe Campanellie, Bob Carlsen, Fred Haase and “Phoenix Rising” artist Ed Siarkowicz. Siarkowicz captured a monumental moment while touring the World Trade Center reconstruction site in New York City. “Phoenix Rising” is currently on display in the offices of former President George W. Bush, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis and Florida Rep. Travis Hutson.

The monthlong exhibit celebrates freedom from a variety of perspectives.

First Church hosts annual Women’s Day
The First Church of Palm Coast will present its annual Women’s Day service 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at 91 Old Kings Road N.

The theme for the sermon will be “Christian women moving forward." The Rev. Patricia McGeathey is the guest preacher. She is the associate minister of St. Stephens A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, as well as a marriage and Christian counselor, and a registered nurse at the University of Florida Shands Hospital.

“The women of First Church are excited about this mighty woman of God,” said Rev. Gillard S. Glover, pastor of First Church. “All women in our community are invited to come and enjoy a service presented by a woman who is dedicated to church, civic and career involvement."

A light meal will follow.