YMCA distributes toys
The First Coast YMCA distributed toys to more than 600 children in need throughout the First Coast this holiday season as part of its annual Holiday Giving Tree initiative.
For more than 30 years, the First Coast YMCA has supported local families through the Holiday Giving Tree. Christmas trees are placed at every local YMCA branch with ornaments with names of local children whose families need support during the holidays. YMCA members select a name from the tree, purchase the gifts on the list, and return them to the Y for distribution.
Community to open house for future parks planning is Jan. 9
St. Johns County Parks and Recreation will host an open house devoted to the planning and future development of multiple county parks from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center, 175 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Parks and Recreation is developing a master plan for the parks. The county is collaborating with sports architecture and planning firm OSPORTS, along with its partners, Catalyst Design Group, CHW Professional Consultants and Perez Planning + Design, to help make this a reality.
During the open house, the OSPORTS design team will present an overview of the master planning process and ask for feedback from the community. Residents who attend will be encouraged to participate in a park programming and features exercise and to provide one-on-one input to OSPORTS team members.
To provide feedback, go to ppd.mysocialpinpoint.com/st-johns-county-four-county-parks/st-johns-county-four-county-parks-page-1. By completing a short questionnaire on the home page, residents can share what they would like to see at each of the parks and provide general comments. All feedback received will be reviewed by St. Johns County and OSPORTS.
Givers Gala set for Jan. 28
United Way-St. Johns County’s 6th annual Givers Gala, presented by The Hutson Companies, will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at Embassy Suites by Hilton, St. Augustine Beach. Tickets are $200. RSVP by Jan. 20.
The gala will be a festive night of fun, inspiration and opportunity. The evening will honor local philanthropists, feature a lively auction hosted by Sen. Aaron Bean and showcase the performance band Bold City Classics.
For tickets and information, go to fundraise.givesmart.com/form/prdSYg?vid=wg1by.
Mussallem Beachfront Park meeting is Jan. 10
St. Johns County will host a community meeting for Mussallem Beachfront Park phase 3 improvements 5-6 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Mussallem Beachfront Park, 3365 Coastal Highway, St. Augustine.
Key features to be added to the park in this phase include a nature path, boardwalk, overlook, pavilion and restrooms. St. Johns County Parks and Recreation staff will be available to answer questions and share details about the new features and improvements.
Ponte Vedra Democratic Club to meet
The Ponte Vedra Democratic Club to meet Jan. 17 at Christ Episcopal Church's Westbury Hall, 400 San Juan Drive in Ponte Vedra Beach. Chat and chew at 6 p.m. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
The featured speaker will be Steve Voguit, former history professor at Flagler College. The program will be: “Franklin D. Roosevelt, The Man, The Myth, and his lessons for today.”
For more Information, email jkary@verizon.net.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday inside the Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Road. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, tea, seasonal treats, soap, jewelry, plants and more.
Old Navy outlet opens near St. Augustine
Old Navy opened its newest outlet location at St. Augustine Premium on Dec. 10. This is the first store in St. Johns County and the fifth store in the greater Jacksonville metro area. It’s also the first outlet store in the area. The new store has more than 9,500 square feet of dedicated retail space.
Old Navy is a global retailer that offers fun, fashionable and affordable clothing for the entire family. It’s also the first value retailer to integrate the shopping experience by offering the broadest assortment of women’s sizes in stores and online, with no price difference.
In a statement, the company said it believes in the democracy of style and service for all, and value inclusivity, opportunities for youth and a future that’s sustainable for its customers, employees and communities.
As part of its Imagine Mission, Old Navy has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for decades to provide opportunities for kids and teens in need of mentorship and job training through the This Way ONward Program. The store is located at 2700 State Road 16.
Banquet to raise money for two scholarships
The inaugural Blue and White Community Scholarship & Black History Banquet will be held from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center, 102 M.L. King Ave., St. Augustine. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at tickettailor.com/events/betaalphapsizeta/822076. They are also available by contacting Diana Jordan-Baldwin by email at nkmand1@yahoo.com. The phone number is 904-615-7719.
The purpose of this event is to provide two scholarships for 2023. One is for a graduating high school student in 2023. The second scholarship will be set aside for a Florida Technical College Student.
The banquet is sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. — Beta Alpha Psi Zeta Chapter and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. of St. Augustine.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
