Clay Today home delivery will be delayed next week by Veteran’s Day

CLAY COUNTY – Due to Veteran’s Day, the Nov. 11 edition of Clay Today won’t be delivered until Friday, Nov. 12.
Home deliveries are completed by the U.S. Postal Service and the agency will observe the federal holiday by giving its employees the day off. However, newspapers will be delivered to store racks and boxes on Thursday.

Property Appraiser to conduct exemptions audit

CLAY COUNTY – Property Appraiser, Tracy S. Drake, has partnered with TrueRoll, an independent research firm, to conduct an audit of the county’s 55,000 existing ad valorem property tax exemptions.
Although the property appraiser’s office has the ability and capacity to investigate cases of exemptions fraud or ineligibility, a systemic review is not plausible. TrueRoll, who performed a similar audit in St. Johns County, has the analytic expertise to provide a complete review of all existing exemptions.
Florida law provides for a number of property tax exemptions, assessment reductions, and classifications that will reduce the taxable value (and taxes) of property. Homestead exemption is the most common. To be eligible, property owners must have legal or equitable title to the property and establish proof of permanent residency (annually as of Jan. 1). Clay County’s property tax base is predominately residential, with approximately 70% of the total taxable value consisting of improved residential properties, and more than 73% of those parcels are encumbered with an existing homestead exemption.
It is the responsibility of the
property appraiser to determine eligibility and to ensure that all property owners receive the full benefits of tax exemptions to which they are entitled. However, property owners improperly or fraudulently receiving exemptions (and associated benefits) is problematic and creates inequity within the assessment roll and tax base. Ultimately, honest taxpayers are left with making up the difference that homestead fraud creates. This audit is intended to certify that all property owners pay their fair share – no more, no less.
Once a homestead exemption has been granted by the property appraiser, Florida law allows for the exemption’s automatic renewal - thereby eliminating the requirement of annual re-applications. However, it is the responsibility of any property owner who is receiving an exemption to notify the property appraiser if eligibility has changed. Failure to promptly do so, may result in severe penalties.
Pursuant to section 196.161(1)(b), Florida Statutes, the property appraiser may review the exemption status for any current or prior year (up to 10 years) and shall file a tax lien subject to the taxes owed as a result of the ineligible exemption, plus a 50 percent penalty of the unpaid taxes for each year, and 15 percent interest a year.
For more information on property tax exemptions, or to report possible exemption abuse, please visit www.ccpao.com.

Concert series returns to Penney Memorial Church

PENNEY FARMS – The Penney Memorial Church Commemorative Concert Committee is delighted to announce the upcoming concert scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 14, at 7:00 p.m., in the Church Sanctuary. Attendees will be treated to an outstanding program by internationally – renowned husband and wife concert pianists and recording artists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin.
This talented couple is known as the “The Beaux Arts Piano Duo.” They are based in the Coral Gables area, where Dr. Lan teaches at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Dr. Lin is currently a visiting professor at Shanghai Normal University and is also on the piano faculty at Bowdoin International Music Festival. Among their favorite composers are Bach, Brahms, Beethoven, Schumann, Schubert and Mahler.
The performance will take place in the sanctuary of Penney Memorial Church, 4465 Poling Boulevard, at 7:00 pm on Sunday evening, November 14th. The performance is free and open to the public. However, the committee members ask that, if you plan to attend, please wear a mask for the event.
For questions, call Neil Petty, Chair at (904) 294-1209.

Guess Who coming to Thrasher-Horne Center

ORANGE PARK – The Guess Who, a group that’s connected with the masses throughout an exultant hit parade spanning fourteen Top 40 hits, including “These Eyes,” “Clap For the Wolfman,” “Hand Me Down World,” “No Times,” “Star Baby” and “Share the Land” will perform at the Thrasher-Horne Center on Feb. 18, 2022, at 8 p.m.
Add in fellow classics and double-sided singles like their No. 1 rock anthem “American Woman and “No Sugar Tonight,” plus “Laughing” and “Undun,” and the Canadian bred stateside conquerors are amongst music’s most indelible treasures who are eternally etched within the very fabric of pop culture history.
“You’re going to see an excellent version of the songs and hear exactly how they should sound or be played,” said founding member and original drummer/songwriter Garry Peterson.
“We’re coming at a new generation of fans who are seeing how the band can execute with enthusiasm. And we’re also making sure the respect level remains at an all-time high for how the music was initially recorded and remains at an all-time high for the fans who have been with the band from the beginning.”
Tickets for non-members will go on sale on Nov. 8. To buy tickets, visit thcenter.org or call (904) 276-6815.

Reinhold Foundation taking applications for nonprofit leadership training programs

FLEMING ISLAND – The Paul E. and Klare N. Reinhold Foundation, Inc. is accepting applications for its 2022 Nonprofit Leadership Development and Capacity Building Training Programs. Through this initiative, the Foundation focuses on strengthening the nonprofit sector by strengthening the leadership of nonprofit organizations that serve Clay County. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides services to Clay County residents is eligible to apply.
Applications for the 2022 programs include workshops on nonprofit management, fundraising fundamentals, planned giving, marketing and communications, donor relations, and strategic planning. The programs are taught by Rollins College Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. All classes are held in Clay County and are scheduled from January through March. There is no cost for those organizations selected to attend. The Reinhold Foundation underwrites all costs. In addition, the Foundation will provide cash graduation awards to eligible organizations completing training programs.
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 100 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 providing services to Clay County residents are eligible to apply. Details and applications are available now at www.reinhold.net. The application deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 17.
For more information, contact Amy Parker, Executive Director (904) 269-5857 ext. 404 or visit aparker@reinhold.net.

Putt for PAWS coming to Eagle Harbor on Nov. 5
FLEMING ISLAND – the annual SAFE Animal Shelter’s Putt for PAWS golf tournament is set for a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at the Eagle Habor Golf Club.
Check-in at 2217 Eagle Harbor Pkwy. starts at 11:30 a.m. In addition to an 18-hole tournament, there will be contests, raffles, prizes and tee gifts.
Proceeds go toward helping lost animals find forever homes through adoptions. SAFE Animal Shelter is a nonprofit organization working to reduce the number of cats and dogs euthanized in Clay County, Duval County, Northeast Florida and the surrounding areas.
Safe Animal Shelter became Clay County’s first no-kill shelter in 1991 to provide housing for more homeless pets in the community until they could find a forever home.
All services we provide the community are funded by individual and business donations, grants from charitable foundations, pet adoption fees, and fund-raising activities held throughout each year.

‘I Voted’ sticker contest offered to county high school students

CLAY COUNTY – To strengthen the sense of community among our local voters, and inject a bit of fun in the process, the Supervisor of Elections Office is hosting a student art contest to design a new “I VOTED” sticker for the 2022 Election Season.
Do you live in Clay County? Do you like to draw, or are you an aspiring graphic designer? Then this contest is for you! We’re accepting both hand-drawn and digital submissions. Now through Friday, Dec. 3, submit your artwork to the Elections Office by mail, by email, or in person at our office, located at 500 N. Orange Ave in Green Cove Springs. This contest is open to all Clay County students in grades 9-through-12.
To read more about how to enter and art requirements, please visit ClayElections.gov The “I Voted” sticker has become an icon of the voting process and a symbol of pride among voters. This small piece of art will help encourage voters, new and old, to share their civic pride- and to spread the word to get out and vote.
For questions or information, visit ClayElections.gov or call our office at (904) 269-6350. This and all press releases can be found at www.ClayElection.

Nikki Fried featured speaker at Clay Democrats fall fundraiser

ORANGE PARK – The Clay County Democrats announce a Fall Fundraiser dinner and auction featuring guest speaker Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Nikki Fried. Fried, Florida’s only statewide elected Democrat, is also a candidate for Governor in the 2022 gubernatorial election.
The dinner’s theme is “Turn Clay County Blue in 2022,” and will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Orange Park Woman’s Club located at 130 Kingsley Ave.
Tickets are $50 each and include a catered buffet dinner, silent auction and cake auction. Sponsors for the dinner are being sought at various donation levels, with complimentary tickets and recognition at the event provided.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will enable the Clay County Democratic Party to sustain its ongoing mission to support Democrats at the local level; grow its voter base; engage in voter registration, canvassing, voter calls, postcards and other outreach; and support Democratic candidates. Fried is expected to discuss her positions on the economy, environment, immigration, gun rights, recent attacks on abortion rights, and more.
Tickets can be purchased online only at: https://www.claycountyfldems.com/2021_kickoff_tickets and information on Sponsorships can be found at: https://www.claycountyfldems.com/kickoff_sponsorship.
Please note COVID-19 protocols will be in place at the event. All attendees are asked to be vaccinated and masks will be required.
For more information, contact Jackie Cetnar, Chair, at claycountydp@gmail.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/claycountyfldems.

Safe Animal Shelter’s Wizard of Paws moved to April

MIDDLEBURG – Due to the newest outbreak of COVID-19, the Safe Animal Shelter’s Wizard of Paws annual dinner and auction for the Safe Animal Shelter was moved to April 9.
The newly-scheduled fundraiser will be held at the Thrasher-Horne Center at 283 College Dr. in Orange Park from 5-9 p.m.
Tickets already purchased for the original Oct. 23 event will be honored in April. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at Safe Animal Shelter, 2913 County Road 220 in Middleburg or by calling (904) 375-9122.

ElderSource Looking for volunteers to call seniors

CLAY COUNTY – The pandemic has underscored how older adults living alone in our area are often more isolated and need a connection to the community and friends. You can help solve this problem without even leaving your home.
ElderSource, a nonprofit organization that works to empower seniors with dignity and independence, is recruiting volunteers for its Caring Connections Telephone Reassurance Program. Caring Connections offers a simple way for someone to make a difference in the life of a homebound older adult.
“It’s widely known that many older adults live alone, protecting their independence. However, that doesn’t mean they still wouldn’t appreciate a call from a friend,” said Linda Levin, ElderSource CEO. “Caring Connections offers them a friendly check-in call and gives them the chance to connect with someone beyond their front door.”
Caring Connections volunteers are needed immediately with approximately 40 seniors currently waiting to be matched with volunteers. All volunteers are trained, background screened and matched with a special friend. Hours are flexible, as the volunteer and the senior work together to set the days and times convenient for each person to connect by phone.
Volunteers are needed in all seven counties of the ElderSource service area that includes Clay, Baker, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia.
To learn more about how to be a Caring Connections volunteer to if an older adult would like to be matched with a volunteer, call the ElderSource HelpLine at 904-391-6699. Or, email Volunteers@MyElderSource.org.

AARP Foundation now recruiting volunteers for Tax-Aide service

CLAY COUNTY – AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has kicked off volunteer recruitment for its Tax-Aide program, the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax preparation service. The program is looking for individuals to volunteer virtually or in-person in a number of roles to provide help to taxpayers.
Northeast Florida has started volunteer recruitment for its Tax-Aide program for the upcoming tax season. It offers free in-person and online tax preparation and assistance to low and moderate-income taxpayers nationwide.
In addition to tax preparation help, volunteers can serve as client facilitators and providers of technical and management assistance. Every level of experience is welcome.
Volunteer tax preparers complete tax preparation training and IRS certification. To learn about our volunteer opportunities, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call (888) 687-2277. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in coordination with the IRS.
Tax-Aide offers free in-person and online tax preparation and assistance to low- and moderate-income taxpayers nationwide. Because of the complexity of the U.S. tax code, many taxpayers overpay their taxes or turn to paid tax services they cannot afford. Some may forgo filing their taxes and miss out on the credits and deductions they’ve earned because they are unable to pay for assistance. Tax-Aide volunteers can help by providing necessary services right in their communities.
Volunteers can serve in person or coach taxpayers online or by phone. In addition to tax preparation help, volunteers can serve as client facilitators, providers of technical and management assistance, and interpreters. Volunteer tax preparers complete tax preparation training and IRS certification.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968 and has served more than 68 million taxpayers since its inception. The program has volunteers in every state and now involves more than 36,000 volunteers. This past tax season in Clay County, Tax-Aide volunteers assisted as counselors, virtual coaches, managers and administrators, technologists, and translators, among other valuable roles.

COVID-19 forces adjustments to county’s library hours

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County public libraries are taking additional precautions to protect the health and safety of our patrons and staff.
All library branches will be limiting library hours and encouraging everyone to practice CDC-recommended physical distancing guidelines.
Libraries will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays; and, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
To make browsing and checking out materials more convenient, patrons can utilize the HoldIT Self-Service pick-up kiosks located at each branch. The library catalog is available online at http://insignia.claycountygov.com/Library/Home.
Using your library card to log in to your account, you can select up to 15 items to place on hold. You will have the option to select from which branch you want to pick up the materials, and if desired, choose “pick up from locker” to retrieve the items. Items can be retrieved from lockers and dropped off in the book drop next to the lockers 24 hours a day.
Additional library services include:
• Seating is available for studying and Wi-Fi use
• Free Wi-Fi is available in all library parking lots 24 hours a day
• Mobile Wi-Fi “SmartSpots” are available to check out for 14 days with your library card
• Chromebook laptops are available to check out for 14 days with your library card
• Newspapers are available for public use
• Meetings rooms are available for reservations
• Study rooms are available 
• Self-check stations are available for contactless service at all branches
Email libraryinfo@claycountygov.com for more information or call the branch directly, contact information here: https://www.claycountygov.com/community/library/library-locations-and-hours.

Nominations being accepted for Christmas Decor’s 2021 Decorated Family Program

FLEMING ISLAND – Since 2003, Christmas Decor franchisees, members of North America’s leading professional holiday and event decorating franchise network, have been decorating the homes of military families whose loved ones are deployed outside of the country for the holiday season.
James Murphy of Christmas Decor by Southeast Works, Inc. urges local residents to nominate the family of a deserving Fleming Island-area active-duty service member to become a “Decorated Family” this year. Christmas Decor franchisees nationwide will donate products, resources, time, and expertise to create glowing tributes at this year’s “Decorated Family” homes to honor all the service members who will be separated from their families this holiday season.
“Each year, the families of tens of thousands of active-duty men and women are deployed outside of the United States and its territories during the holiday season,” Murphy said. “The Decorated Family program can literally light up the holidays for some of these families while sending a glowing message of thanks to all service members and their families for their dedication and sacrifice.”
Fleming Island-area residents may nominate a local family for this distinction on Christmas Decor’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasDecor. Click on the Decorated Family Program link and complete a form explaining why the nominated military family should be selected as a “Christmas Decor Decorated Family” for the 2021 holiday season. Christmas Decor corporate will review all the shared stories and select from the nominated families in each community. Decorated Families will be chosen based on the impact of their story on the judges and the family’s location (to ensure there is a participating local franchise to provide the award).
Nominations close on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.
“This year, we hope to decorate more homes than ever before,” said Brandon Stephens, president of Christmas Decor, Inc. “The more nominations we receive, the more Decorated Families we are able to recognize. Please help us honor a brave active-duty man or woman in your community who will be away from home for the holidays this year by nominating their family to become a 2021 Decorated Family.”
More information about the Christmas Decor Decorated Family program is available at https://www.christmasdecor.net/about/. To learn more about having Christmas Decor decorate your home or business for the holidays, please contact James Murphy of Christmas Decor by Southeast Works, Inc. in Fleming Island at (904) 579-4422 or jmurphy@southeastworks.net.

Clay County looking to fill several job openings

CLAY COUNTY – The Board of County Commissioners are looking for a few good people – make that a lot of good people.
The county posted several job openings, including: animal control officer, building inspector, deputy director of engineering, engineering specialist, equipment operator, firefighter/EMT, grants administration analyst, grounds maintenance technician, HVAC technician, kennel attendant, laborer, permit services technician, veterans’ services officer and 4-H young development extension agent (apply through University of Florida).
For more information, click the Career Opportunities tab on the county’s website, www.claycountygov.com.

Comedian Bill Engvall coming to Thrasher-Horne Center

ORANGE PARK – Bill Engvall is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum selling recording artist and one of the top comedians in the country will bring his humor to the Trasher-Horne Center on Jan. 29.
Bill can regularly be seen in a recurring role on the hit FOX sitcom “Last Man Standing” playing Reverend Paul. He was recently awarded “Casino Comedian” of the year at the 2019 Casino Entertainment Awards in Las Vegas. He is currently on tour and since 2016, Bill has hosted a weekly podcast “My 2 Cents” with PodcastOne which offers his funny, thought-provoking and unique perspective on just about everything.
Bill’s latest comedy special “Just Sell Him For Parts” is currently available on VUDU streaming service. In addition to acting and stand-up Bill is also the spokesperson for the insurance company Health Markets. Bill recently wrapped production on A New Season where he reprises his role of Coach Z, from “Catching Faith” in 2015. He also had a role in the thriller, “Monster Party,” where three teenaged thieves infiltrate a mansion dinner party secretly hosted by a serial killer cult for the social elite.
Bill was part of the enormously successful Blue Collar Comedy concert films, which sold more than nine million units and received a Grammy nomination. He also starred on the WB’s hit sketch comedy show Blue Collar TV and in several solo specials for Comedy Central. In 2012 he reunited with Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy on the Them Idiots Whirled Tour, which aired as a special on CMT.
Bill’s first album, “Here’s Your Sign,” is certified platinum and held the No. 1 position on the Billboard Comedy Chart for 15 consecutive weeks. His second album, “Dorkfish,” also debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Comedy Chart, as did his subsequent comedy albums. Bill has written several books, including his 2007 autobiography Bill Engvall –Just A Guy.
Tickets start at $49 and are available at THcenter.org, or by calling (904) 276-6815 or visiting the Thrasher-Horne Center ticket office at 283 College Dr. in Orange Park on the St. Johns River State College campus.