crash

OCTOBER 1, 2020 Classifieds25 Real Estate 16 YOUR NEIGHBORS

“This school is where the girls started out. It holds a special place in our hearts.”

REGINA GILYARD-THOMAS, mother of Wilma and grandmother of Mozella and Kaleigh

Louis Williams sits alone after the ceremony honoring his wife and two daughters, who died in April.

Legacy of love

Scholarship to honor mother and two daughters who died in April crash

BRIAN MCMILLAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

In a white shirt and black slacks, Louis Williams sat alone on a bench outside Belle Terre Elementary School. This is the building where Mozella, 13, went to school, and where Kaleigh, 11, was still a student before they died in that crash on April 17. Williams’ wife, Wilma, also died in the crash.

JULIE MURPHY

FLAGLER COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER Veterans Services Officer David Lydon received attention this week from the national office of the American Legion for taking a call and listening to a distraught Vietnam veteran, ultimately saving him from taking his own life.

“It was right about lunchtime when the call came in. I didn’t know what to make of it,” Lydon said. “The gentleman was hard to understand — he wasn’t making sense. I listened. I just kept listening, and let him talk.”

The caller shared that listening to news reports about the number of lives lost to COVID-19 brought him back to his days serving in the Vietnam War and the death counts of American servicemen

Since then, he said, he has had some good days and some bad days.

“You have to be able to lean on Christ to get you through it,” he said. “Death is going to come, but you don’t expect it to happen like this, especially for me, a 100% family man. There was nothing better than coming home to my wife and kids.”

Although Mozella and Kaleigh will not walk the halls of the school anymore, they will be part of the school. The extended family came together to start a memorial scholarship, and a plaque — with photos of Mozella and Kaleigh — will be on a wall in the school, with names of students added to the plaque each year from now until the year when the sisters would have both been done with Matanzas High School.

Several of family members traveled from San Mateo to be with Louis Williams and school staff for a ceremony to unveil the plaque. and -women. Having thought he called a national hotline — he had bounced around from line to line for 15 minutes until reaching Lydon — the veteran was surprised to learn he was speaking with someone in Flagler County.

“I don’t know where his call initiated, or where it was routed before I answered, but I am glad he reached me,” Lydon said. “He told me he was about 20 minutes away, and I asked him if he wanted to continue the conversation in person.”

Lydon believed he had gotten the caller past the impulse to harm himself, but was on pins and needles until the veteran arrived.

“He was late,” Lydon said. “I was worried. I called the nonemergency line to the Sheriff’s Office to have them do a wellbeing check, and that’s when he

“It means a lot because it’s their legacy,” Williams said. “My wife was very big on education, and they come from a big family of educators. So this is something I’m quite sure they would be proud of.”

Williams, wearing a custommade mask that featured pictures of his wife and daughters, was joined among others by Wilma’s aunt Sandra Gilyard, a preacher from San Mateo. Also in attendance were Wilma’s sisters Rhonda Jara, Satura Stokes and brother Earnest Stokes.

“Thank you for this learning institution,” Gilyard prayed before an outdoor ceremony at the entrance of the school on Sept. 24. “Not too often do we find people who step outside of themselves and love as they have loved our family. ... We pray your blessings on this school. ... Have mercy on us.”

The first two scholarship honorees were Kennedi Cooper and Analia Harper, who will be given yearbooks, field trip money and school T-shirts.

“Whatever you would have to pay for, we’re going to take care of it,” Gilyard said.

Among the staff at Belle Terre who have helped support the family in their grief are Dean Priscilla Campbell, Principal Jessica DeFord, teacher Victoria Smith and, most of all, teacher Abbey Cooke.

“You were a second momma to the girls,” Gilyard said to Cooke. “You did some things that ... only family would do. You sent us poems and artwork — everything you could think of during this moment. You could not have done that if you didn’t love us and love our babies.”

After Kennedi and Analia posed for a photo and the family began to leave, Cooke reflected on the tragedy.

“It broke me for a little while,” Cooke said. “My students really are my kids, and I feel like I’m still healing. It also opened my heart more to love these kids while they’re here because you never know what can happen.”

She added: “This family

GETTING HELP

n The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). n Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741. n SMA Healthcare: Call the Access Center line at 800-539- 4228. SMA has an adult Crisis Treatment and Triage Unit (CTTU). It also has a special crisis response team for young people up to age 26. walked in. It was quite a relief.”

Lydon keeps in touch with the man and is assisting him with a VA claim.

“People often just need someone to talk to — someone to listen — to get them past a rough spot,” Lydon said. “It’s important not ro

Photos by Brian McMillan Analia Harper and Kennedi Cooper, the first two scholarship recipients, hold the plaque featuring photos of Mozella and Kaleigh Williams.

didn’t love me because I’m a great teacher. It’s making these connections with the kids and knowing them for who they really are. And could be.”

Smith said the quiet scholarship ceremony helped her with her own grief.

“The aura and the atmosphere — even though it brings me sadness, it brings me peace,” Smith said.

Cooke also recalled the funeral in April, when Louis Williams tried to turn the somber tone of the gathering into more of a celebration of his wife’s and daughters’ lives.

“There’s really no doubt in the family’s eyes that they are in heaven and at peace,” Cooke said. “Even as sixth- and seventhgraders, they were very strong in their faith. ... I am not as strong in my faith as they are, and I found it very comforting.”

Later, Louis Williams would return home, where the bedrooms remain as they did before the crash five months ago.

“That’s my way, for now, of dealing with it,” he said, “as if, in my mind, they’re still here because their rooms are still here.

Veterans Services Officer recognized for helping save veteran

Lydon keeps in touch with the man who had attempted suicide. Lydon is assisting him with a VA claim.

Their smell.” freeze. I had to let him know that he would be able to talk to me.”

The humble Lydon — a 36-year Air Force Reservist and a retired New York police officer, who has worked four years for Flagler County as its Veterans Services Officer — never told county administration of his lifesaving phone call, which happened in July. Word came by way of a Google alert on Sept. 23 that there was an article about him posted on the American Legion’s website.

Lydon said the local chapter became aware of the call because he mentioned it during his radio show, “Veterans on Point” (airs on WNZF 94.9 FM and 1550 AM from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Sundays) while discussing PTSD and suicide prevention. The news traveled upward through the district to the national office.

MEGAN FARRELL

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This was initiated in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.

Domestic violence affects millions -- both women and men -- of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s not just punches and black eyes; it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It’s stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop tex ting, constant use the silent treatment, or calling someone “stupid” so often they believe it.

Since the Violence Against Women Act passed in 1994, we’ve come a long way. This landmark legislation, led by then Senator Joe Biden, combined new provisions that hold offenders accountable and provide programs and services for victims. Between 1993 and 2010, the overall rate of domestic violence dropped nearly two-thirds and state laws have reformed to address issues such as dating abuse in the workplace, stalking, employment discrimina tion and more.

On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence

or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States which equates to more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year. (Source: https://www.thehotline. org/resources/statistics)

Over the next five weeks we are going to be sharing survivor sto ries. We’ll be hearing how previous experiences have shaped some incredible women into the moms and business owners they are today. Will the stories be easy to read? Not always; however this is an important topic that needs to be discussed. I look forward to sharing resources and stories of survival! Although the world may seem dark at times, there is a light that will shine again.

RESOURCES

In an emergency - 911 n National Domestic Abuse Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 n Family Life Center (Flagler) - (386) 437-7747 Online resources: n BreakTheCycle.org FamilyLifeCenterFlagler.com Local places to go: n Family Life Center 4721 E Moody Blvd, Suite 503, Bunnell

If you’re currently experiencing anything like this, know that you don’t need to go through it alone -- I’m only a call or text away: 386- 597-3545.

I believe you. You are worthy of love and respect. I’m here for you. 151 N. Starling Drive to view the virtual tour.

Nancy Lopez, meet your turtle

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tle Trail, sponsored by members of the community through the efforts of the Palm Coast Arts Foundation. Each turtle is painted by a different artist, this one by Bob Teller.

Lopez said she had her husband, Ed Russell, love turtles and were happy to visit the course again, where Lopez participated in many tournaments with other golf legends such as Lee Trevino and Gary Player.

“It’s nice to see friends you haven’t seen in a while, and it’s special be part of this,” Lopez said. She also said that a charity golf tournament that was canceled due to the pandemic will be rescheduled for next year, to benefit PCAF.

GOLF IN PALM COAST

PCAF Executive Director Nancy Crouch was master of ceremonies for the crowd of about 100 people outside the clubhouse, which is the starting point for 115,000 golf rounds per year. Many elected officials were in attendance, including Mayor Milissa Holland, who delivered a speech about the importance the course has played in the city’s history.

“On Sept. 14, 1971, ITT Corp. introduced a beautiful golf course to Palm Coast’s growing number of residents, promising quality rounds where the tall palms and pines would welcome scores of players and pros,” Holland said. “And in 1978, they kept this promise.”

Lopez’s fame attracted others, and she also “personally played alongside many of our original pioneer residents,” Holland said.

Among the “pioneer residents” who played with Lopez was David Hayes. He has lived in Flagler Beach since 1957 and worked for ITT from 1976 to 2003. When he was a teenager, he recalled, Lopez was living in the Fairways Condos at the course. “I’d be walking along and carrying my clubs, and she’d say, ‘David, do you want to play a few holes?’” he said.

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES

Mery Gable, a volunteer with the Palm Coast Historical Society, was the sponsor of the turtle, named Nancy Marie after Nancy Marie Lopez.

“I wanted to memorialize this legendary golfer,” Gable said, adding that Billy Casper was also a key figure in those days in Palm Coast.

After the ceremony, Crouch said the Turtle Trail has attracted visitors to Palm Coast, and residents also have brought their guests to see all the turtles as they show them around town.

“It gives the community a sense of artistic buy-in,” she said.

City Councilman Nick Klufas added: “I consider public art a catalyst for creativity. These turtles represent the inclusivity “These turtles are a perfect blend of art and history.”

ELAINE STUDNICKI, president of the Palm Coast Historical Society

TURTLE TRAIL

The 11th turtle will be unveiled in October. Visit https://www. palmcoastartsfoundation. com/the-turtletrail.

4 bedrooms | 3 full bathroom Custom woodwork | Upgrades galore Just like a model home!

Text “Star” to 386-204-7061 of creative thinking.”

The Market is HOT! Call or text us if you’re looking to sell.

TheMeganFarrellTeam.com We know the market. We know the process. We’re here for you. 386-597-3545

342701-1

Matanzas wins home opener 52-0

Matanzas hosted Atlantic on Sept. 25 for its first of four scheduled home games, resulting in a 52-0 victory for the Pirates. This was also the first home victory for new head coach Matt Forrest. The team will travel to Ponte Vedre on Friday, Oct. 2.

— KA’DEEM WYNN

Casey Hamilton, Trenton Williams and Shomarion Gaines rush in to stop the Atlantic advance.

Richard Rigby breaks a tackle.

Photos by Ka’Deem Wynn

COMMISSIONER JOE MULLINS

named to the Community, Economic, and Workforce Development Steering Committee

“I am proud to represent our county on the national level for economic and workforce development. It will enhance the opportunity we have to bring new businesses and programs to Flagler County.” - Joe Mullins

David Gay, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon

You

A Shoulder to Lean On

Flagler Health+ Orthopedic Specialists. Bringing you back to a full range of motion.

Age, overuse and injury can cause tears in the muscles and tendons around your shoulder joint, also known as your rotator cuff. Our team, led by Dr. Gay, utilizes a minimally-invasive arthroscopic approach to repairing this area, allowing for less scarring and less pain. That’s the power of +.

Jeffrey Keen, M.D.

Scott Putney, M.D.

Corey Rosenbaum, D.O.