Ponte Vedra Community Association plans annual meeting
The Ponte Vedra Community Association will hold its annual meeting at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4, in the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club ballroom. Special guest will be Commissioner Krista Joseph, who will discuss county topics of interest and take part in a Q&A.
Meeting topics will include: a review of financials, a vote on the approval of new board members and an open discussion forum.
Members and nonmembers are welcome.
Anyone interested in becoming a board member should contact Lori Wells at loripvb@yahoo.com.
Sweet Art Gallery to celebrate anniversary
Sweet Art Gallery, 310 Front St., Unit 875, Ponte Vedra Beach, will celebrate its first year anniversary from 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 10. An RSVP is appreciated at 904-686-2787. The website for the contemporary fine art gallery is thesweetartgallery.com.
St. Johns County to host live surplus auction May 17
St. Johns County will host a live surplus auction on May 17 at 2416 Dobbs Road, St. Augustine. Access to the auction is free and open to the public. The early preview day will be on Friday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The in-person auction day will be on Saturday, May 17, with another preview time of 8 to 10 a.m. and a start time of 10 a.m. Great Expectations Auction & Estate Services is organizing the public auction. The terms and conditions of the auction and details of the vehicles available for purchase are available at geauction.com/st-johns-co-surplus-auctions.
The surplus auction will include vehicles, trailers, equipment and more.
‘Minorcans in Florida: A Brief History’ set for May 8
Historian Sandie Stratton will speak of “Minorcans in Florida: A Brief History” under the sponsorship of the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at the St. Johns County Public Library Main Branch, 1960 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd., St. Augustine.
Stratton, who earned a master’s degree in American/European history from the University of North Florida, will provide a foundational understanding as local Jews and Minorcans seek together to discover their overlapping origins in the Balearic Islands off the Mediterranean Coast of Spain over the past 10 centuries. Minorcans, those with and without Jewish roots were recruited to establish New Smyrna Beach and came to St. Augustine during the 1770s.
All are welcome to this event. There is no charge. No advance arrangements are necessary. For best directions call the Main Library at 904-827-6940 or go to sjcpls.org For further information about the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society, go to sajhs.com or call 804-914-4460.
Guana volunteer orientation planned
Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve will offer a new volunteer orientation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 2. Interested volunteers will learn about the background and history of the reserve, volunteer opportunities and the benefits of volunteering at GTM.
Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. After completing the volunteer application at gtmnerr.org/volunteer, contact volunteer coordinator Abby Kuhn at Abigail.Kuhn@FloridaDEP.gov to ensure that it was received.
Grief support group to meet
A grief support group meets on the third Wednesday of every month at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Room 107 of the Family Life Center, 578 First Avenue N., Jacksonville Beach. The group is for men and women grieving the death of a family member or friend. The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21. For information, call Kathy at 904-553-8933.
Beach exploration planned
Join volunteers at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve for a guided exploration hike from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3.
Learn about the Guana Peninsula’s natural biodiversity, expansive cultural history, vital estuarine resources and current efforts to protect these resources.
Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Trailhead Pavilion (west of Guana Dam), 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
The event is free but parking is $3 per vehicle. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are also recommended.
Register at gtmnerr.org/calendar.
Palm Valley Market every Tuesday
The Palm Valley Market is held from 10 a.m. to 1 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.
Nature journaling event planned
Join nature journaling instructor Elaine Bergstrom at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve to explore the wonders at the reserve from 9:50 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 1.
If you are new to nature journaling, this Introduction to Nature Journaling class will help you sketch and record observations and curiosities to reconnect with nature. Drawing and noting any piece of nature is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the moment!
Online registration is required. To register, go to gtmnerr.org/calendars.
Meet at GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water, sunscreen and binoculars are recommended.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
