Fair, 55°
Weather sponsored by:

Community briefs 10/19/17

Clay Today
Posted 10/18/17

‘Low Bono’ program reaches out to Clay County residents GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County Clerk of the Circuit Court Tara S. Green is continuing her office’s Low Bono Program. …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Don't have an ID?


Print subscribers

If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.

Non-subscribers

Click here to see your options for subscribing.

Single day pass

You also have the option of purchasing 24 hours of access, for $1.00. Click here to purchase a single day pass.

Community briefs 10/19/17


Posted

‘Low Bono’ program reaches out to Clay County residents
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County Clerk of the Circuit Court Tara S. Green is continuing her office’s Low Bono Program.
While not free law advice, the Low Bono Program lower the barriers that usually prevent people with moderate financial means from accessing legal services, specifically those involved in family law cases.
The program is available to Clay County residents involving Clay County family law cases only, with a focus on clients representing themselves, a practice referred to as pro se.
“Low bono is the principle of increasing access to law-related services for people of moderate means who do not qualify for pro bono (free) assistance, but cannot afford the fees private attorneys typically charge,” Green said. “When family law matters are involved it is especially important that we help citizens navigate the process as efficiently as possible for the sake of everyone involved.”
Individuals wishing to participate, should contact the Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment with these local, licensed Florida attorneys at a rate of $1 per minute. The minimum appointment time is 30 minutes. Clerks require the following information: client name, name of adverse party, client’s contact phone number, client email address. Individuals are responsible for bringing full payment to their scheduled appointment time (cash only) along with all relevant documents.
Appointments are held at the Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs at 825 N. Orange Ave.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (904) 269-6363.

Ameris Bank launches 8th annual food drive
JACKSONVILLE – All Ameris Bank locations in Northeast Florida are collecting non-perishable food items to donate to local food banks as part of a company-wide initiative, the 8th Annual Helping Fight Hunger.
Clay County residents can donate non-perishable food items at the Ameris branch at 1775 Eagle Harbor Parkway on Fleming Island or 485 Blanding Blvd. near Orange Park.
A food bank in every town with an Ameris Bank location will receive the donation of goods collected at the local Ameris Bank office, plus a monetary donation from Ameris Bancorp. Last year, Ameris Bank collectively donated more than 825,000 non-perishable food items and a total of $100,000 to local food banks.
Since the program was launched in 2010, Helping Fight Hunger has donated more than 3.4 million non-perishable food items donated to local food banks and more than $555,000 in monetary donations given through Ameris Bancorp.
For more information, go to Amerisbank.com/HelpFightHunger.

Penney Farms hosts 69th Annual “Hearts & Crafts” fair
PENNEY FARMS – The campus of Penney Retirement Community opens up to the public Nov. 3-4 for its 69th Annual “Hearts & Crafts” arts and crafts fair, which offers one of a kind gifts for all ages.
Artisans will be on hand to provide demonstrations and answer questions about their work on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The PRC campus is on State Road 16 and County Road 218. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to the Green Cove Springs Food Pantry.
Among the works being offered this year is a series of hand-turned bowls created by 2017 Featured Artist Fred Pratt. Pratt, a John C. Campbell Folk School alum, will demonstrate how he transforms fallen trees from the campus into bowls for use or display in the home. A sampling of some of his works will also be on display.
The outdoor campus will feature a number of themed areas to visit, each offering different kinds of arts or crafts for sale, including a new category of handcrafted furniture and home accessories. The Coffee Shop will be offering free pie or cinnamon rolls and coffee throughout the day.
Guests can get a photo portrait with their pet at the Frame Shop, or visit the Railroad Station to see the elaborate miniature railroad in action. Weavers will offer demonstrations and hand-woven items for sale.
For more information, call (904) 531-2665 or prcartsncrafts@gmail.com.

“Form your Future” will financial aid
ORANGE PARK – Each year, financial aid dollars go unclaimed and officials at St. Johns River State College want help Clay County students end that trend.
On Nov. 7, the Orange Park campus hosts “Form Your Future” where students can get free assistance in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the mandatory form needed to seek financial aid. The event will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the Viking Center.
“Finances should not be a barrier to attending college and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the first and most important step in applying for financial aid,” stated a press release from SJRSC.

Halloween Carnival in Keystone
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The Ladies Auxiliary of Amvets Post 86 is hosting the Post’s annual Halloween Carnival on Oct. 22.
The public is invited to join in the fun and games, which will include pumpkin, rock and face painting, prizes and even a caterpillar crawl.
The fun begins at 2 p.m. and ends at 4 at the Post located at 6685 Brooklyn Bay Rd. in Keystone Heights.

Community to get Hurricane Irma recovery update
MIDDLEBURG – The Clay SafetyNet Alliance meeting is dedicating its October meeting to hearing from organizations still involved in recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
A representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will discuss “Navigating FEMA Policy,” while a representative from the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida will discuss “Working Together on Long Term Recovery” and there will be information about a benefit concert scheduled for Nov. 11 to raise funds for families hardest hit by Irma.
The Alliance meets Oct. 19 at 8:30 a.m. in the Salvation Army conference room at 2795 County Rd. 220 in Middleburg. The public is invited.

Penney Retirement Community to hold groundbreaking
PENNEY FARMS – Penney Retirement Community will host a groundbreaking ceremony for a new nursing care center on Oct. 27 at 9:30 a.m. at 3465 Caroline Boulevard.
The new nursing center will replace the Pavilion for Health Care with a new state-of-the art care home that will provide short-term rehabilitation, long-term care and, when needed, end-of-life care. Plans also call for the center to include a new chapel along with larger, more homelike rooms that feature current technology and comfortable places for family and friends to relax and visit. It will also include upgraded facilities for the medical staff, nurses and the entire patient
care team.

USDA disaster assistance and hurricane recovery workshop
GAINESVILLE – The U. S. Department of Agriculture Service Center in Clay County is hosting a disaster assistance and hurricane recovery workshop Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. at Clay County Agriculture Center Auditorium, 2463 State Rd. 16 West of Green Cove Springs. The event is free and open to the public.
Representatives from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency will present information on the various disaster assistance programs and resources available for farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Workshop topics include emergency assistance for livestock & crop-related expenses and losses; financial assistance programs to help with farm and farmland damage; deadlines for applying for disaster assistance programs and programs to help with restoration and rehabilitation of farm and ranch land.
For more information, contact A.J. Scarborough at (386) 336-4253. Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting should contact AJ Scarborough, 386-336-4253 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 by Oct. 20.

NEFBA urges caution in aftermath of Hurricane Irma
JACKSONVILLE – The storm may be over, but the worst may be yet to come. Unlicensed contractors have taken to the streets in communities devastated by Hurricane Irma, and are preying on vulnerable Floridians.
The Northeast Florida Builders Association urges everyone affected by Hurricane Irma to be on the lookout for dishonest individuals posing as licensed contractors.
Hurricane victims should be on alert for unlicensed contractors, especially door-to-door solicitors that require large sums of money up front. Licensed contractors will gladly show proof of insurance and licensure, and their license can be verified with the State of Florida. They should never ask for large deposits up front.
Unlicensed contracting is illegal, and it can be easily avoided if the appropriate precautions are taken. NEFBA, a member of the Disaster Contractors Network, encourages homeowners to follow these safety measures. Obtain at least three estimates from licensed and bonded contractors. Get the estimate in writing, ask for and check references, ask for proof of insurance,
get a written contract and make sure all work that requires city or county inspection is officially approved in writing before final payment is made.
Homeowners are encouraged to verify a contractor’s license by contacting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or www.myfloridalicense.com. To report unlicensed activity, contact DBPR at 866.532.1440. Additionally, homeowners can report incidents of price gouging by calling 866.9NO-SCAM.

Orange Park Chorale to hold fall concert
ORANGE PARK – Hum along to the sounds of the Great American Song Book next month with the Orange Park Chorale.pecial Invite
Orange Park Chorale presents “An American Musical Journey” with works from Gershwin, Ellington, Copeland and Broadway. This free concert will be held Nov. 3 at Orange Park Presbyterian Church, 1905 Park Ave. at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. at Hendricks Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Ave. in Jacksonville.
The Orange Park Chorale is an auditioned chorale with a vision of giving its audiences an opportunity to hear an eclectic mix of music performed by a fine ensemble. The Orange Park Chorale was founded in 1993 by Carole Clifford as a performance and education organization for the promotion of the choral arts in Clay County and the surrounding Northeast Florida area.
While the concerts are free, donations are accepted to help defray costs. More information at OPCinfo@orangeparkchorale.com.

Coalition offering tutor training
ORANGE PARK – If you want to help someone become self-sufficient and better themselves, become a tutor with the Clay County Literacy Coalition.
Sign up for tutor training to be held Oct. 21 from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Training will be provided by the Florida Literacy Coalition and led by Jesse James, a Pro Literacy-certified tutor trainer.
The class will be held at the Clay County School District’s Adult Education center at 2306 Kingsley Ave. on the campus of Orange Park High in Building 19, Room 1924.
If you are interested, call (904) 336-4458 or email clayliteracy548@gmail.com to register.

“Diabetes Counts”
MIDDLEBURG – Do you or someone you love have diabetes?
Diabetes Counts is a free program that encourages participants to make small lifestyle changes while learning about diabetes and the way it affects personal health.
Participants must be a Medicare beneficiary and have diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Classes will be held MCCI Medical Group Middleburg at 1786 Blanding Blvd., Suite 3 on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 1 through Dec. 6.
Pre-register by calling Sherri Cheshire at the Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center at (904) 482-0189.
NEFAHEC is also offering classes about balance for seniors.
A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Classes will be held at the same MCCI location in Middleburg and be taught on Mondays and Fridays from Nov. 6 through Dec. 4.
Pre-registration is also required. To register, call Sherri Cheshire at NEFAHEC Senior Programs (904) 482-0189.

Family Medical Centers opens in Green Cove Springs
JACKSONVILLE – Family Medical Centers recently opened a new location in Green Cove Springs.
Randy Scott, D.O., a board-certified family medical practitioner, will head up the office located at 3189 US. Highway 17.
Prior to joining Family Medical Centers, Scott was a provider at Island Doctors where he provided urgent care and geriatric care to the Green Cove Springs community. He has years of Naval experience and is a teacher of osteopathic medicine.
Scott received his board certification in family medicine from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Scott served his family medicine residency at Larkin Community Hospital/Nova Southeastern and the University of Miami from 2010-2012. He served as a U.S. Navy physician in active duty from 2008-2010 after joining the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1998-2008.
Scott is an active teacher of osteopathic medicine at various schools including Lake Erie College, Larkin Community Hospital and Nova Southeastern.
“We are proud to be expanding our care to the Green Cove community,” said Mel Perez, practice administrator for Family Medical Centers. “Dr. Scott is familiar with the patients’ needs in the area and he brings his unique background in military as well as teaching, helping us stay current with the latest advancements in medical care.”
Scott’s interests include running, playing tennis, traveling, watching football and spending time with his daughter.