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Community Briefs 9/19/19

Clay Today
Posted 9/18/19

Elections office warns of VPC mailingGREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Supervisor of Elections Office has alerted voters to the mass mailing by the Voter Participation Center. Supervisor …

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Community Briefs 9/19/19


Posted

Elections office warns of VPC mailing

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Supervisor of Elections Office has alerted voters to the mass mailing by the Voter Participation Center. Supervisor Chris Chambless said, “it’s important to know VPC is a non-government organization and is not affiliated with the Clay County SOE office or any other state elections office.”
The letter may suggest a voter isn’t registered to vote; the mailing address is incorrect; or, voter information needs to be updated.
In years past, VPC has used information pulled from unverified sources, Chambless’ office said. As a result, the letters may be sent to voters who are already registered and to those who are deceased, minor children and pets.
The mailings create confusion and concern among voters.
Chambless said his office makes “every effort” to update information and maintain accurate registration. He also encouraged eligible voters who visit ClayElections.com or call (904) 269-6350 to review their current information and make any changes. Voters who have questions about the VPC mailings, especially those who want to be removed from the mail list, should contact VPC directly at (877) 255-6750 or at voterparticipation.org.

FDOT starts pile-driving along Henley Road

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Florida Department of Transportation has started pile driving operations as part of the First Coast Expressway project in Clay County.
Construction crews have started pile driving operations on Henley Road near the Lake Asbury community to construct the future First Coast Expressway-Henley Road interchange.
Residents may experience intermittent periods of increased noise and truck traffic around the area. In order to minimize disruptions, the contractor will only perform pile driving operations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. An informational video about pile driving is available at www.NFLRoads.com/PileDriving.
Sacyr Construction began construction March 4 on the segment of the First Coast Expressway (State Road 23) from north of State Road 16 to just north of Blanding Boulevard through Clay County for 10.5 miles.
The First Coast Expressway is a multi-lane, limited access toll road that, once completed, will cross parts of Duval, Clay and St. Johns counties. For more information about the project, visit www.firstcoastexpressway.com.

Clay County Master Gardeners hosting fall plant sale

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Clay County Master Gardeners will host their annual Fall Plant Sale and Garden Celebration this Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Florida IFAS Extension Office, located at 2463 State Road 16 West in Green Cove Springs (next to the Fairgrounds).
There will be thousands of plants for sale and Master Gardeners available to answer questions, give advice, and help you find what is best for your yard. Many Florida native plants will also be available for purchase. Clay County Commissioner Mike Cella said, “By adding native plants to a landscape, homeowners can reduce the amount of water used for irrigation and decrease the need for fertilizer, which is much better for our communities and waterways.”
There also will be a variety of free workshops and demonstrations for children and adults. Workshop topics include planting and growing of succulents and daylilies, hydroponic vegetable gardens, and plant propagation techniques. Children will learn how to make bottle planters and birdhouses; all supplies will be provided.
There will also be live music, food trucks, and craft vendors at this fun, fall celebration. Parking is free and credit cards are accepted. All plant sale proceeds will be used to educate the public on gardening and landscape techniques, and to maintain and enhance the public demonstration gardens at the County Extension Office.
To learn more about the Master Gardeners program visit http://clay.ifas.ufl.edu or call 904-284-6355. Follow the UF IFAS Clay County Master Gardeners on Facebook @UFIFASClayMG.

Historical society offers essay contest for Clay students


CLAY COUNTY – The Historical Society of Orange Park, in recognition of Veterans Day, is sponsoring its annual essay contest for students in Clay County. The purpose the contest is to give young people the opportunity to explain the importance of celebrating Veterans and Veterans Day. Students, using their own words and creativity, are invited to tell a personal story about how Veterans have made an impact in their life, neighborhood, or town. Essay materials can be found online at http://ophistory.org/veterans.html.
Winning students will be recognized at the Nov. 11 Veterans Day observance ceremony at 11 a.m. held at the Veterans Memorial at Magnolia Cemetery, 1040 Kingsley Ave.
Their essays will be read as recognition of Veterans and the students.
Required paperwork for the contest is available on the website of the Historical Society of Orange Park, ophistory.org Odds of winning will be determined by the number of entries received. Essays will be measured for: Expression of the theme (50%) Content of writing (25%) and Creativity of writing (25%). Judges will be members of the Historical Society of Orange Park. The contest is divided into the following categories: grade level, word limit and topic. The contest includes: a 300-to-500-word essay on “What is Veterans Day” for students from fourth-sixth grade (with the winner earning $50); 400-700-word essay on “Why do veterans deserve our support, respect and understanding?” for seventh and eighth-grade students ($75); and, 500-1,000-word essay for ninth grade-through-12th, on “Why do you think it’s important to celebrate Veterans Day?” ($100).
All essay entries must be received by Sept. These can be sent via electronic submission using the email info@ophistory.org or mailed to: The Historical Society of Orange Park, P. O. Box 08, Orange Park, Florida, 32067. The grand prize winners will be notified by Oct. 28. Entries not meeting deadlines will be disqualified.