First responders receive Peta Award for rescuing Matthew the Bald Eagle

FLEMING ISLAND – Courtesy of PETA, awards are on their way to first responders and two local residents for their heroic rescue on Saturday, Oct. 8 of a bald eagle stuck in the grille of a car driving along U.S. 17 on Fleming Island.

When Billi West and her son Zachary Bombard saw the eagle dangling dangerously from an oncoming vehicle, they quickly stopped the driver and alerted authorities. Members of Clay County Fire Rescue Stations 18 and 22 rushed to the scene and cut the grille to free the terrified bird, who was then transported to the BEAKS wildlife sanctuary by West and Bombard to recover.

Clay County Fire Rescue Stations 18 and 22 will receive Compassionate Fire Department Awards, and West and Bombard will receive Compassionate Action Awards. PETA is sending each recipient a framed certificate and a box of delicious vegan cookies, and the firefighters will also receive a copy of The Engine 2 Diet – a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating plant-based meals.

“The determination and compassion of these first responders and good Samaritans likely saved this eagle from a painful, terrifying death,” said Colleen O’Brien, PETA vice president. “PETA knows that their kind example will inspire others to be a hero for animals in need.”

PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way” – offers tips for helping wildlife and reporting cruelty to animals on its website.

Nonprofit leadership program applications being accepted

FLEMING ISLAND – The Reinhold Foundation is continuing its leadership programs in 2017 and is now accepting applications for its 2017 Nonprofit Leadership Development and Capacity Building Training Programs.

The 2017 program will include workshops covering fundraising, grant writing, marketing, volunteer leadership, annual fund development and board governance. The programs are taught by the Rollins College Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership.

All classes are held in Clay County and are scheduled January through March. There is no cost for those organizations selected to attend. All costs are underwritten by the Reinhold Foundation.

Since 2006, the Reinhold Foundation has provided free leadership training programs to board members, staff, and volunteers of nonprofit groups that provide services to Clay County residents. Individuals from more than 80 nonprofit organizations that work to improve the quality of life for Clay County residents have participated in the leadership initiative.

All 501(c)3 nonprofit groups that provide services to Clay County residents are eligible to apply. Details and applications are available now at www.reinhold.net. The application deadline is Nov. 14. For more information, contact Amy Parker, executive director, (904) 269-5857 ext. 404 or aparker@reinhold.net.

Teens! Want to be heard?

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – One of Clay County’s public libraries is giving teenagers a chance to have a voice and shape some of the programming that goes on in the library.

The Green Cove Springs Teen Advisory Group is now accepting applications from 7th to 12th graders who want to be heard. TAG is an opportunity to help create and lead programming, volunteer at events, organize community service projects, and influence how the Green Cove Springs Branch Library serves teens.

TAG is also a chance to make new friends and make a difference in the community. Download the TAG membership application at http://www.claycountygov.com/home/showdocument?id=1520 and bring it with you to the next TAG meeting on Oct. 15 at 1 p.m.

This month, TAG will be discussing plans for the library’s inaugural Teen Halloween Party slated for Saturday, October 29, as well as TAG members’ participation in the “Trunk or Treat” event being sponsored by the Green Cove Springs Police Department.

For more information on TAG, this meeting or other Library services, please call (904) 284-6315 or (904) 269-6315.