Dalai Lama celebrates 77th birthday
Jul 6th
Tibetans living in exile in India, Nepal and other countries marked July 6 as the 77th birthday of their spiritual leader Dalai Lama. In a brief address the Nobel Peace Prize winner thanked the government of India and the people for their hospitality to the exiled Tibetans.
Thousands of Tibetan exiles and foreigners joined in the 77th birthday celebrations of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Friday in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. Large crowds began to assemble in morning at the Tsuglagkhang temple for the birthday celebrations.
Below are famous quotes from Dali Lama 
“The Sacred Mind That Is Compassion,
May It Grow In Those Hearts That Have Never Seen It,
And Where It Has, Do Not Diminish,
May Compassion Grow Forever
And Ever And Ever.”
According to Dali lamas website his followers posted birthday wishes below”
“May His Holiness’ blessing be with everyone of us in order to awaken our mind, covered with so much endless Desire, Attachment, and Ignorance.
We promise to strive hard to brings in News on Human Rights and Freedom Repression in Tibet to you and to all the interested people.”
Tropical Storm Debby kept city crews busy
Jul 6th
While Tropical Storm Debby may not have had the wind of many storms, it certainly had the rain, and it was that rain that kept city crews busy in locations where rainwater inundated the city’s sanitary sewer system. The heavy downpours, a total of 7.72 inches in less than three days, required around the clock attention during the height of the rainfall in response to overflows in several locations of the sewer system. The overflows occurred during the heaviest periods of rain on the weekend of June 23-24 and again through until Thursday, June 26.
The city maintains a rapid response team for just such incidents and during TS Debby, credit goes to that team for minimizing the impact. Crews with pumper trucks were dispatched to locations where overflows were anticipated, but the extraordinary amount of rain caused an in-flow into the sanitary sewer system overtaxing its capacity at six locations:
Oglethorpe Blvd. at Arredondo Ave.;
St. Augustine Blvd. at Inlet Dr.;
Pine St. between San Marco Ave. and Abbott St.;
Macaris St. at Douglas Ave.;
Cordova St. at St. Francis St.; and
the Wastewater Treatment Plant at the southern end of Riberia St.
Crews captured and removed nearly 1.4 million gallons of wastewater /rainwater from the sites preventing backups into homes or discharges into waterways.
Following strict protocols for such overflows, signs were posted at each location where surface water bodies have been affected to warn the public of the event, whether they happen to be boating or fishing. Additionally, water samples are taken at each location and if contamination is found, then the signs will remain in place until the water is safe in accordance with state criteria. Generally, depending upon the size and location of the spill, it could take up to a week for the levels return to normal.
At no time during TS Debby was the city’s drinking water in any danger as only surface water (i.e. runoff water, streams, etc.) came in contact with the waste water.
In a follow-up review of the city’s practices after the storm, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection compliance inspectors deemed the city’s actions appropriate and in compliance.
For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 904.825.1040.
Source: City of St. Augustine
This Weekend in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches: July 6 – 8
Jul 6th
Friday: July 6
First Friday Art Walk
The latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at more than 20 St. Augustine art galleries. Old Town Trolleys offer free 
round-trips to the heart of the art district from the San Sebastian Winery, 157 King Street, or go on your own self-guided art walk. Some highlights for this art walk include the 2nd Anniversary of Plum Gallery, 9 Aviles Street featuring a toast and new contemporary art exhibits; new paintings by Claire Kendrick at Worley Faver Gallery, 11A Aviles Street; new offering and a new look (including a beautiful new storefront mosaic) at Amiro Art & Found, 9C Aviles Street; and the opening of Photographic Expressions, an exhibit of fine art photographs by Tom Tibbitts and Tom Brock at the Butterfield Garage Art Gallery, 137 King Street (meet the artists there on Sunday). Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. 904.829.0065 See www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com
Saturday: July 7
Nature Program At Anastasia State Park
Park rangers or volunteers present programs on topics ranging from bird watching to star-gazing. Admission to the park, located at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine, is $8 per vehicle. 904.461.2033.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Historic Weapons Demonstrations At Fort Matanzas
The 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons. Admission is free including the ferry ride from Rattlesnake Island. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. 904.471.0116. www.nps.gov/foma
First Coast Arts & Crafts Show
Crafts show featuring original and unique crafts designed by talented artists and available for viewing and purchase. The show takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A on St. Augustine Beach. 906-669-8529. gandaessentials@att.net
Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration
New businesses, dozens of market vendors, unusual and unique crafts, entertainment by She Fay and Dee McDuffie and a beautiful sunset are just part of the entertainment and fun to be enjoyed from 3 p.m. until dusk at the Vilano Beach Pier located just off A1A across Matanzas Bay from St. Augustine. For more information, call 904-540-0402.
Blue Lotus Belly Dancers at Villa Zorayda
Villa Zorayda proudly presents an evening of history and entertainment set in the Moorish Court when the Blue Lotus Bellydancers perform a unique fusion of dance in an exciting theatrical manner with beautiful costumes, enchanting music, and artistic skill – including an incredible sword-balancing dance. Beginning at 7:45 p.m., guests can take a state-of-the-art audio tour of the historic Villa and its impressive collection of art and antiques. The exotic Blue Lotus ladies begin their performance at 9 p.m. Tickets for the tour and show are $20 for adults, $12 for children 7-11. Show only tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children. The Villa Zorayda Museum is located tat 83 King Street in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904-829-9887 www.villazorayda.com
Las Comedias at Spanish Bakery
At 8 p.m., gather under the trees at the Spanish Bakery, 42 St. George Street, in St. Augustine for laughs and great food as the St. George Players present Comedias., a series of short, entertaining and educational “interludes” written in the 16th century by Spanish playwright Lope de
Rueda. Lavish tapestries and costuming add to the atmosphere of these timeless tales of star-crossed lovers, bad working conditions, thieves and trickery. Plus, the Spanish Bakery staff serves salsa, empanadas, soup and dessert throughout the performance. The entertainment and food are included in the ticket price of $10 adults and $5 for kids (under 6 are free). diannelenore@yahoo.com
Rod Stewart and Bon Jovi Tribute
World-renowned entertainer Kenny Holliday presents his tribute to Rod Stewart
and Bon Jovi at the Pioneer Barn and Fort Menendez, 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. The performance also features a CD Release Party for Kenny’s newest CD – only $5 each, a portion of the proceeds go to the Wounded Warriors Project and K9’s for warriors. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.. and the show begins at 7 p.m. All tickets are $12 and may be ordered in advance by calling 904-824-8874 or at the door as long as seating is available.
Saturday and Sunday: July 7 & 8
Explore the Estuary
Join a passionate Interpretive Naturalist on a river adventure of your choice. Try a guided kayak adventure in the salt marsh, a quiet sail in the intracoastal on a 27′ catamaran, or cover the most ground and see the most on the most popular dolphin & nature boat excursion. Tours depart at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. Small groups & great guides ! 904-377-7245 for details & reservations.
www.staugustineecotours.com
Local Resident Specials
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Government House Museum, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).
NEW: St. Johns County residents who purchase full-price admisssion to the St. Augustine Lighthouse ($9.50 adults; $7.50 seniors and children 12 and under; free for children under 44 inches in height) can now receive a pass good for free admission for an entire year! The Lighthouse is now open until 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.. Also, on the first Monday of each month, St. Johns County residents are admitted free to the Dow Museum of Historic Houses, 246 St. George Street, St. Augustine.
Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau
