As I sit down to write these comments, the reality of another summer in Florida is setting in—stepping outside is like the blast you get when you open the oven. It’s been in the nineties for a few days and the television meteorologists are saying things like “hottest day of the season so far.” To make matters worse, it’s been about 10 days since we’ve had any rain and it looks like we might have to wait several more to get that brief, but generally welcome, temperature drop that accompanies our typical summer thunderstorms.

High temperatures notwithstanding, the best thing about summer at The Hub is our Summer Camp for kids. Our class modules kick off on June 3 ^rd and each week is different. We’ve got great teachers and many classes you won’t find anywhere else. Classes are available for elementary (must have exited kindergarten) through high school, and financial scholarships are available. The reception to our offerings has been great and our classes are filling up. Call or stop by The Hub in advance of your desired class beginning. There are more details below.

Last month I encouraged you to attend our Project Magnolia Community Day on May 18 and the Razzle Dazzle Fashion Event on May 19. The Community Day was the chance for any member of the community to come out, grab a brush and some paint and join artist Steve Hardock in painting the incredible mural on the Magnolia Street side of our building. Well over 100 of you took part—kids and adults alike. It was great fun! The link below will let you review what you did or see what you missed.

In case you somehow missed our pre-event promotion of Razzle Dazzle (though I’m not sure that’s possible), this was the culmination of our school-year-long After School Fashion Club. In this partnership between The Hub and the city of NSB, middle and high school kids in the program spent the year learning about the fashion industry. This was 100% hands-on, from design to production to promotion and accessorization. These young people worked hard and the results showed in the NYC-style fashion show at The Brannon Center. A full house and rousing support validated the young designers’ work and provided the financial foundation to support even more participants next year. A big thank you to our sponsors, volunteers and everyone who attended. There are links below to the fashion show video and a photo album.

Richard England, President

A self-taught artist, Charles began painting on a regular basis in 2011. His work was first displayed to the public during an open studio event in 2016. He has had solo exhibitions at the Daytona State College Fine Arts Gallery, The Founders Gallery at The HUB on Canal in New Smyrna Beach, FL and his paintings have been featured in The Shop at the Orlando Museum of Art.

Everett received a BA in Anthropology from the University of New Mexico in 1997 and an MBA from Rollins College in 2002. He currently lives in Deland, Florida.

A collection of his works are now on display in the Higginbotham Gallery at The Hub.  

Join us for an exciting evening with Dr. Carl Bennett as he performs a tribute to the iconic singer. The owner of the Bennett Chiropractic Clinic specializes in the music genres of country, folk and Western. Fans report his John Denver tribute is unbelievable: “his voice is John Denver’s, his guitar playing is John Denver’s and his respect and honor for a true music legend is apparent and respectful.” (more)

The Village  was the 2004 follow-up to M. Night Shyamalan’s critically acclaimed smash  Signs . Shyamalan, often characterized as a modern day Hitchcock, wrote, produced and directed this highly anticipated film. Shyamalan’s signature foreboding and tense direction and pacing are present in The Village . (more)