BBQ, Bacon and Brews returns this weekend to Clay County Fairgrounds

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The second annual BBQ, Bacon and Brews will return to the Clay County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Festivities will include fall-of-the-bone barbecue, beer, wine, arts and crafts, bounce houses, a dog show, axe throwing, live entertainment, pony and train rides, cutest baby contest, baked beans eating contest, a petting farm, Hula-Hoop contests, rock painting, bacon relay, sack races and treats.

Admission is $7, with children 2 and younger getting in for free. You can take $1 off the admission price if you donate a canned good for the Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Guardian Ad Litem.

Reinhold Foundation accepting applications for ‘Celebrate Clay’ awards until Jan. 30

FLEMING ISLAND – The Paul E. and Klare N. Reinhold Foundation is accepting applications for the 2024 “Celebrate Clay” awards, a community service awards program that recognizes remarkable organizations and individuals serving the Clay County community.

Up to $100,000 in cash awards, ranging from the $1,000 Category Awards to the $15,000 Paul E. Reinhold Community Service Award, will be presented at the 2024 “Celebrate Clay” awards breakfast on April 23. A panel of judges will vote on the best projects of 2023 to determine the recipients of the cash awards.

All 501 (c) 3 nonprofit groups, including school and church outreach groups that provided services in 2023 to Clay County residents, are encouraged to apply. “Celebrate Clay” is a program to support the ongoing efforts of the charitable organizations in the community working to strengthen and enrich Clay County. Details and applications are available at www.reinhold.net. The application deadline is Jan. 30.

For more information, contact Amy Parker, Executive Director, at (904) 269-5857 ext. 404 or at aparker@reinhold.net.

Middleburg-Clay Hill Library to host four-day book sale

MIDDLEBURG – The Friends of the Middleburg-Clay Hill Library will host a four-day book sale from Jan. 24-27 at 2245 Aster Ave.

Friends of the Library Members can shop on Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 4 to 8 p.m.  The public can shop on Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bring your “Friends Bag” on Jan. 26 and fill it for $5. Bags can be purchased for $2.

The organization only accepts cash and checks.  Donations of books in good condition are always appreciated. All proceeds benefit the library.

Help is needed to set up on Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. and to tear down on Jan. 29 at 8 a.m.

Friends of Green Cove Springs Library to meet on March 26

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The next general meeting of the Friends of the Green Cove Springs Library will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, in the downstairs meeting room at The Pub, 3616 Magnolia Point Blvd., at Magnolia Point. When you’re coming through the main gate at Magnolia Point, tell the security guard that you’re attending the library meeting.

All interested parties are invited, and we’re looking for new members with new ideas. You’re also invited to try out The Cove Book Club, which next meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in the library at the Senior Center, 604 Walnut St.

February’s book is “The Bookish Life” of Nina Hill by Abbi Waman. March’s choice is “The Everglades: River of Grass” by Marjorie Stoneman Douglas; for April, it’s “The Keeper of Hidden Books” by Madeline Martin; and May’s selection is “Heartland” by Sarah Smarsh.

If you love to read and discuss books, check out The Cove Book Club. Booklovers will also want to check out the great sale the next time they’re at the library. You can buy four books at the left of the front door for $1. These are nice hardbacks in good condition, and some are relatively new releases.

The primary purpose of the Friends of the Green Cove Springs Library is to raise money for children’s programs. With that in mind, we’ve invited young adult author Chrissa-Jean Chappell to come to the library on Feb. 22 at 5 p.m.

Please join us and enjoy some pizza as Chrissa-Jean, a Florida Book Awards medalist, discusses her newest release, “Sun Don’t Shine,” taking you on a journey through the sun-soaked landscapes of Miami.

Free books will be available while they last – one for each family – for autographing. The event is recommended for girls 16 or older.

Bridal Spectacular Expo renews its vows at Thrasher-Horne Center

ORANGE PARK – The Sixth Annual Bridal Spectacular will return to the Thrasher-Horne Center on Feb. 11 from 1-4 p.m.

The event includes a host of vendors who can elevate any wedding. A big selection of wedding professionals will help find the perfect gown, decor, photographer, music, menu, etc.

The entry fee includes a chance in a random drawing to win a Diamond Wedding Package or other prizes.

Vendors already registered include, Anthony’s Catering, Artistic Florals By Celia, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, Century 21 Integra, Coastal Coordinating, Dance Center International, Divine Dessert by Tamara, Dream Makers Events and Rentals, Dream Walking Entertainment, Estory Videos, FEBUS Soaps, Florida Wedding Supplies, Holiday Inn Fleming/Hampton Inn Middleburg, Jewelry by Mr. G, Karen’s Catering, Kawili Photography, Kingsley Chiropractic, Mary Elle Weddings, Mary Kay, Music By Vince, Orange Park Woman’s Club, Pompy Portraits, Professional Concessions, Pure Life Living, Severine Photography, The Buzz Mobile Bartending, Thrasher-Horne Center and the Town Hall Event Center.

Tickets are $5 in advance online at thcenter.org or $10 at the door.

Outdoor Adventure Park gun range now open Thursday-Saturdays

MIDDLEBURG – The Clay County Outdoor Adventure Park and shooting range has expanded hours to include Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The gun range opened in late September with a soft rollout on the hours of operation. The 200-yard, 30-target range is the first aspect to become a reality in the sprawling 158-acre complex near Camp Blanding at 3829 Sgt. Bradley Crose Road off County Road 215, just south of Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Local law enforcement holds training at the range for a portion of the week and is open to the public for the remainder. The range will be open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the upcoming months. To learn more and read FAQs, visit claycountygov.com/community/clay-county-outdoor-adventure-park.

Clay Education gladly accepting unwanted, extra office supplies

CLAY COUNTY – The Clay Education Foundation wants to remind everyone if they’re cleaning out the supply closet, it will gladly accept unwanted office supplies like pens, pencils, scissors, post-it notes, paper clips, binder clips, paper, highlighters, staples and staplers, rubber bands, tape and tape dispensers and White Out.

For information on how to donate to help classrooms for students in need, visit clayeducationfoundation.com.

Thrasher-Horne: Show memorabilia on sale to fund future shows

ORANGE PARK –Signed posters, flyers and banners from recent acts at the Thrasher-Horne Center are on sale at the center’s box office at 483 College Dr. in Orange Park.

The money will go to the Thrasher-Horne Center Annual Fund to provide financial assistance for future programs.

Included in the items are items from the shows by 1964 Beatles Tribute, “Beautiful” Carole King musical album, Bill Engvall, Billy Ocean, Blue Man Group, Carpenters Tribute, Colt Ford and LACS, Disney Junior Live, Dragons, Elvis Tribute, John Michael Montgomery, Lonestar, Newsboys, Neil Diamond Legacy, Rick Springfield, Sammy Kershaw, Sara Evans, Three Dog Night and Warrant.

Items range from $25 to $50 and can only be picked up at the center.

The center also is selling tickets and gift certificates for upcoming shows.

For more information, call (904) 276-6815 or visit thcenter.org.

Registration open for Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament

PALATKA – Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament is accepting registrations for this year’s tournament.

The popular event, which attracted 940 anglers and raised more than $436,000 for the hospital’s Terry Heart Institute, will be from May 16-18 at the Palatka City Docks.

Chris Cercy of Middleburg partnered with Eric Roberts of Jacksonville to finish third overall a year ago with a five-fish aggregate of 21.75 pounds, while Charles and Kelly Moody of Green Cove Springs were third in the Lads and Lasses division at 19.49 pounds.

The 2024 tournament will feature the Lads and Lasses on May 16, VIP and Friends on May 17, and the main event on May 18. More than $48,000 will be awarded.

To register, visit giving.baptistjax.com/event/2024-wolfson-childrens-bass-tournament. The deadline is May 14.

Wolfson also will conduct a raffle for a 2024 21-foot Bullet Boat with a motor – valued at $78,000. Tickets are $20 each. All proceeds from the drawing will help fund new technology for the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

To enter the bass boat drawing, visit wolfsonbasstournament.com.

Since the first tournament in 1989, the event has raised more than $7 million for Wolfson Children’s and the patients treated there.

24-hour ScriptCenter prescription kiosk opens at Naval Hospital Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE – Naval Hospital Jacksonville now has a 24-hour ScriptCenter prescription kiosk. The kiosk is just one of the many innovations from the

hospital to provide better service and reduce wait times for patients.

The ScriptCenter machine, which was installed at both the main hospital and Satellite pharmacies, has undergone a week of usage by staff to be aware of

its capabilities. The machine in the hospital will be located inside automatic doors near the quarterdeck, steps away from the pharmacy and

will be available 24 hours a day.

“When you call in a refill or activate a new prescription, you can select the ScriptCenter for pick up,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jose Pulido, Pharmacy department

head. “Even if you have someone pick up the script, the machine will take a photo to show who picked up the medication. The only limitation on the new

machines is on prescriptions that need to be refrigerated.”

Active, retired federal employees invited to monthly meeting

ORANGE PARK – As the only organization dedicated to the general welfare of all federal workers and retirees, the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees delivers valuable guidance, timely resources and powerful advocacy.

Clay County Chapter 141 meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Orange Park Library at 2054 Plainfield Ave. at 12:30 p.m. Each gathering consists of a short business meeting and a presentation.

Since NARFE’s founding in 1921, the association’s mission has been to defend and advance America’s civil servants earned pay and benefits. Today, NARFE’S team of professional lobbyists continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the federal community. Supported by grassroots advocates, NARFE is a leading voice in Washington and across the country, although often unknown to our active and retired local civil servants and postal personnel.

Federal benefits and retirement plans are unique, complex and subject to change. NARFE provides federal workers and retirees with the precise, reliable and accessible counsel they need to make critical decisions and gain confidence in a secure future.

Mission of the Dirt Road offering free showers

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Adults can sign up for free showers on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Mission of the Dirt Road, 7790 State Road 100.

Adults can utilize the services from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Families with children can get free showers on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. Showers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents are required to sign up during the day of the shower. Call or text (601) 568-3473 to make a reservation.

Shred For Good: Challenge Enterprises offers shredding drop-off

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Shred for Good hosts Residential Shred Drop-Off events for the benefit of individuals who don’t have an ongoing need for regular shredding service. During the drop-off events every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, participants may deposit their sensitive documents in secure and locked bins at 3530 Enterprise Way in Green Cove Springs. The bins are then securely transported to the Shred for Good facility, where they are destroyed.

After a six-month shutdown for the pandemic, Shred for Good rolled out a rebooted Residential Shred Drop Off Program in October 2020. Ninety-two households destroyed 5,116 pounds of sensitive materials on the first day in just two hours. Each of these events is focused on convenience for the consumer and streamlined processes for the staff.

Residential consumers now follow the signs to the drop zone, complete a short form, donate and drive away without ever having to leave their vehicle. Both the form and donation have been made available online in advance to save time.

The average household drops off about 55 pounds and donates $14 a visit. Considering that most drop-off shred sites charge more than 50 cents a pound, the Shred for Good’s Residential Shred Drop-Off Program at $.26/pound is a cost-effective alternative for the community it serves.

Business and Commercial customers, please call (904) 252-9786 to schedule a pickup using one of our secure bins.