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Volusia County Unveils Resource Program to Empower Small Businesses

Volusia County has introduced the Acuity Business Pass Program, a collaborative effort between the public library system and the Division of Economic Development to support small businesses. This free program provides access to advanced database tools, such as Data Axel and Simply Analytics, along with training resources through LinkedIn Learning, which features over 16,000 courses, including those covering Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite.

The program aims to empower entrepreneurs by offering convenient, remote access to research tools, data solutions, and skill-building opportunities. Small business owners can apply for the Acuity Business Pass card at any of the 14 library branches, granting them exclusive discounts and a streamlined path to key business resources.

Source: See Full Story at Ormond Observer

Rising Costs Force Volusia Eateries to Cut Hours, Rethink Operations

Volusia County’s restaurant industry faces mounting challenges from inflation, rising labor costs, and declining customer traffic. Inflation in the food and beverage sector has surged 25.2% over four years, and Florida’s minimum wage increases have further pressured business owners. A recent survey shows 30–36% of respondents are eating out less than earlier this year, leading many restaurants to reduce operating hours or explore new strategies to stay afloat.

While some, like Aunt Catfish’s on the River, have scaled back dinner service to control costs, others, such as 4Rivers Smokehouse, have added hours to boost revenue. Meanwhile, Rossi’s Side Street Café is reducing dinner hours due to a managerial transition, not financial strain.

Despite these challenges, industry analysts note a slowdown in the pace of cutbacks, sparking cautious optimism. For now, Volusia’s restaurateurs agree that navigating the current climate requires resilience and adaptability.

Source: See Full Story at Hometown News

Jewish Federation Feeds 400 Families for Thanksgiving Amid Rising Need

The Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties continued its annual tradition of spreading Thanksgiving cheer, providing 400 families with turkey dinners through the Jerry Doliner Food Bank. On Nov. 20, volunteers distributed 1,000 grocery bags in a drive-thru event, ensuring families had all the fixings for a holiday meal.

Under the leadership of Marvin Miller, the food bank has been supporting the community for 27 years, but demand has reached unprecedented levels. Over the past year, the food bank has served 19,000 individuals—a reflection of growing need. Rabbi Rob Lennick, the Federation’s executive director, emphasized that the initiative is about more than just food; it’s about fostering compassion and unity in the community.

With the help of 35 dedicated volunteers, the Federation demonstrated the power of collective effort, ensuring that neighbors in need could celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity and support.

Source: See Full Story at Ormond Observer

Your Horoscope - View Online

What Is It?

In 1971, artist and former nun Corita Kent was commissioned by Boston Gas Company president Eli Goldston to create a mural on one of the company's liquefied natural gas storage tanks in Dorchester, Massachusetts. The resulting artwork, known as the "Rainbow Swash," features vibrant, sweeping bands of color and stands 140 feet tall, making it one of the largest copyrighted artworks of its time.

The mural quickly became a Boston landmark, visible to thousands of commuters daily from the Southeast Expressway. However, it also sparked controversy; some critics claimed that the blue stripe contained a profile resembling Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh, suggesting an anti-war statement. Kent, a known peace activist, denied any intentional political imagery in the design.

In 1992, the original tank bearing the mural was demolished, but due to its iconic status, the "Rainbow Swash" was faithfully recreated on an adjacent tank. Over the years, the tank has changed ownership, with logos of companies like Keyspan and later National Grid appearing beneath the artwork.

Today, the "Rainbow Swash" remains a symbol of Boston's embrace of public art and stands as a testament to Corita Kent's unique contribution to the city's cultural landscape.

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