Winn-Dixie launches campaign  to support Folds of Honor 

CLAY COUNTY – Southeastern Grocers, LLC (SEG), parent company and home of Winn-Dixie, answers the call to serve with the launch of its annual community donation program in support of Folds of Honor, a dedicated nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled military members.

Until June 17, Winn-Dixie customers can honor U.S. military heroes while shopping at their neighborhood stores by donating $1, $5 or rounding up their grocery bill to the nearest dollar at checkout. Every contribution directly supports the children and spouses of the American service members who gave everything in defense of freedom.

Anthony Hucker, the chairman, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said, “Our partnership with Folds of Honor is rooted in our compassion and respect for the military families who make up the very fabric of our nation, especially in the Southeast. As we enter our eighth year of giving, we recognize the extraordinary sacrifices these families make in service to something greater than themselves. Together, we pay tribute to the legacy and sacrifices of these heroes while also supporting their loved ones’ access to education and greater opportunity.”

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, CEO and founder of Folds of Honor, said, “Freedom is never free, and behind every fallen or disabled service member is a family whose life has been forever changed. Thanks to unwavering allies like Southeastern Grocers, we are turning gratitude into action by providing scholarships that open doors for the families of America’s heroes.”

Since 2018, SEG has donated more than $8 million to Folds of Honor with the help of its customers, associates and foundation. The funds have provided over 1,600 educational scholarships for the children and spouses of fallen and disabled U.S. military service members.

There are seven stores in Clay County: Melrose, two in Orange Park, Middleburg, Lake Asbury, Green Cove Springs and Argyle Forest.

All donations to SEG’s community donation program directly support Folds of Honor’s mission to honor the sacrifice of U.S. military heroes by providing life-changing scholarships to their loved ones. Scholarships awarded through Folds of Honor provide private education tuition and tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as tuition for college, technical or trade school and post-graduate work, including a master’s degree, doctorate or professional program.

Fleming Island Garden Club  celebrates food drive, butterfly release

Fleming Island Garden Club’s food drive at the end of April hauled in 394 pounds of food and $150 collected for the food pantry, 

“The April Butterfly release was another great hit. We asked our attendees for recommendations for improvement, and they had some wonderful ideas which we are eager to use,” Rhona Scoville said. “We’ve already been asked to save our toilet paper rolls, so stay tuned to see what that’s all about.”

“I truly appreciate the governing board asking me to do the butterfly program today in conjunction with the butterfly release and plant sale,” club member Carolyn Warren said about the butterfly release. “When you hear kids say, ‘Awesome,’ and ask so many questions, it is very heartwarming,” said club member Carolyn Warren about the butterfly release. “Many kids told me about their classroom activities with butterflies. As usual their favorite was the Monarch butterfly.

“What was really nice today for me: One of the Monarch butterflies emerged from its chrysalis. You talk about enthusiasm from the kids – wow.”

The club’s last membership meeting consisted of the installation of new and returning officers, a review of the year and a big potluck dinner. 

The garden club won’t hibernate during the summer months; members will meet again at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 4 at the Fleming Island Library Conference Room. All are welcome.

Black Creek Eco Fest  scheduled for June 14

Clay County Parks and Recreation presents Black Creek Eco Fest slated for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Camp Chowenwaw Park in Green Cove Springs.

The event includes interactive programs, ecology, local history, local vendors, hands-on activities and guided hikes.

Stronger Together Golf tourney  on the horizon June 10

The 2^nd annual Stronger Together Golf Tournament for Isaiah Carrasco is scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 10 at Fleming Island Golf Club. Top of the Tee is the event’s presenting sponsor.

Carrasco survived a 2022 car crash and sustained a traumatic brain injury.

The tournament comprises a 9-hole scramble on TopTracer: The Back 9 of Oakmont, and a Long Drive Competition (three balls for $10 or 10 balls for $20). The event includes a silent auction, raffles, live music and food trucks.

Three Dog Night to appear  at Thrasher-Horne in December

ORANGE PARK — The legendary band Three Dog Night, now in its sixth decade, claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. In the years 1969 through 1974, they scored several top 10 hits.

The band’s hits weave through the fabric of pop culture, whether on the radio where they are heard often, in TV commercials or in motion pictures – songs like “Mama Told Me (Not To Come),””Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize Three Dog Night’s continuing popularity.

The band will play at the Thrasher-Horne Center on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets, which start at $47, are available at the box office or at thcenter.org.

Three Dog Night holds a Billboard Magazine record for releasing 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including 3 No. 1 singles. The chart success drove seven platinum-selling singles and 12 consecutive RIAA Certified Gold LPs.