Autism Carnival coming to Orange Park Mall on Saturday

ORANGE PARK – The second annual Autism Carnival will be on Saturday, April 29, at the Orange Park Mall.
The event, which will be held at The Grove, will include bounce houses, corn hole, pit foam, dunk tank, food trucks, sack race, 360 booth, pie throwing, jumbo Jenga and jumbo connect 4 games.
The event, which is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will focus on residents with hidden disabilities.
There will be popcorn, cotton candy and drinks. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Florida Autism Center.
For more information about the carnival or for details on sponsorship, call (901) 503-6675.

Ascension St. Vincent’s hosting Community Fun Day

MIDDLEBURG – Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County hospital is hosting its Community Fun Day on Saturday, April 29.
The event will be held on the Middleburg campus located at 1670 St. Vincent’s Way and will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“This is an incredible opportunity to get to know our neighbors,” said Kevin Rinks, Hospital Administrator. “We believe in treating each other like family. And, our patients, our surrounding businesses, and our community as a whole is an extension of that family.”
The free event will include carnival-style games for kids, group activities, music and touch-a-truck vehicles, including a fire truck, ambulance and K-9 unit. Select food vendors will also be participating. “Being a part of the opening of this great hospital and watching it grow into a trusted part of the community is so heartwarming,” said Sadie Durham, Vice President of Nursing. “I am excited to interact with our community in what will surely be a fun day of tug-of-war, sack races, games, music and more.”
Ascension St. Vincent’s celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year and is proud to serve Northeast Florida. For more information about Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County, please visit healthcare.ascension.org/locations/florida/fljac/middleburg-ascension-st-vincents-clay-county.

Golfers, sponsors needed for Chief Derek Asdot Memorial tournament

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Time is running out to support the second annual Chief Derek Asdot Memorial Golf Tournament on May 20.
The four-man scramble will be at Magnolia Point Golf and Country Club at 9 a.m.
Sponsorships are available. For $750, companies will receive a team spot in the tournament, company banner and signage on a hole, while companies can set up a booth at a hole, company banner and signage for $500. For $250, companies can get signage at a hole.
For more information or to register as a player or a sponsor, call (904) 297-7322 or email Normanv@gcspd.com.

Lake Region Kiwanis hosting first Family Mini Golf tourney

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Families are encouraged to bring their best putting strokes to the first Kiwanis Lake Region Family Mini Golf tournament on May 6.
Registration for the event starts at 10:30 a.m. and players will hit the artificial turf from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Keystone Heights Mini-Golf at 7154 SE County Road 21B in front of Orange Blossom Restaurant.
Cost is $10 for a single; $25 for a family. Low scores will win prizes. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available, and the fundraiser also includes a 50/50 raffle.
Charity proceed will remain in the community.

Paranormal Cirque III to set up tent at Orange Park Mall

ORANGE PARK – Slow down so you can take it all in, but if you scare easily, you might want to run when the Paranormal Cirque comes to the Orange Park Mall from May 25-28.
Under the Clown Castle, the back and big red top tent, acrobats of the air, illusionists, freaks, mysterious creatures and all the elements that make one think of a “normal” circus but that of ordinary have very little.
A new show with breathtaking implications always poised between fun and those most uninhibited fear that will transport you to a dark world inhabited by creatures with incredible circus art abilities.
A crazy yet fun fusion between circus, theater and cabaret in perfect harmony with the evolution of a show that brings you back to when we dream – when we had nightmares and fantasies.
A parent must accompany children between 13 and 17 years old. Nobody younger than 13 will be allowed to the show.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on May 25 and 26; 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on May 27; and 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on May 28.
For tickets, visit paranormalcirque.com or by calling (941) 704-8572.

Clay Humane needs donations for severely injured dog

ORANGE PARK – Clay Humane, a nonprofit veterinary clinic in Orange Park, is asking for donations to care for Trevor, an injured Border Collie mix found by Clay County Animal Services on Jan. 21.
“Clay County Animal Services transferred Trevor to us. He came in lame on his left hind leg with a deep laceration in his neck, more than likely from an embedded collar,” said Clay Humane Executive Director Linda Welzant.
“He had little fur and a severe skin infection affecting the entire body due to malnutrition and neglect.”
Trevor is recovering from a cranial cruciate ligament repair. With the help of heavy antibiotics, antiparasitic medications, pain management, medicinal bathing and quality nourishment, he is healing nicely from all his conditions. While officials don’t know the exact circumstances of Trevor’s situation, they suspect neglect. Although he has multiple fractures in his tail, they don’t believe he was involved in dogfighting.
“Trevor has an exceptional disposition and is good around other animals,” Welzant said. “He is a calm and sweet boy who learns quickly and wants to be with you, preferably in your lap.”
Trevor is between 5-8 years old and weighs about 60 pounds. He has several potential adopters and will go into a forever home following his recovery over the next few months. The total cost of Trevor’s rehabilitation so far is approximately $4,000.
To donate to Trevor’s Fund, visit www.clayhumane.org/donate.php or call (904) 276-7729.

Active, retired federal employees to meet monthly

ORANGE PARK – As the only organization dedicated to the general welfare of all federal workers and retirees, the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees delivers valuable guidance, timely resources and powerful advocacy.
Clay County Chapter 141 meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Orange Park Library at 2054 Plainfield Ave. at 12:30 p.m. Each gathering consists of a short business meeting and a presentation.
Since NARFE’s founding in 1921, the association’s mission has been to defend and advance America’s civil servants earned pay and benefits. Today, NARFE’S team of professional lobbyists continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the federal community. Supported by grassroots advocates, NARFE is a leading voice in Washington and across the country, although often unknown to our active and retired local civil servants and postal personnel.
Federal benefits and retirement plans are unique, complex and subject to change. NARFE provides federal workers and retirees with the precise, reliable and accessible counsel they need to make critical decisions and gain confidence in a secure future.

Mission of the Dirt Road offering free showers

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Adults can sign up for free showers on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Mission of the Dirt Road, 7790 State Road 100.
Adults can utilize the services from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Families with children can get free showers on Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. Showers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents are required to sign up during the day of the shower. To make a reservation, call or text (601) 568-3473.

Thrasher-Horne: Show memorabilia on sale to fund future shows

ORANGE PARK –Signed posters, flyers and banners from recent acts at the Thrasher-Horne Center are on sale at the center’s box office at 483 College Dr. in Orange Park.
The money will go to the Thrasher-Horne Center Annual Fund to provide financial assistance for future programs.
Included in the items are items from the shows by Rumours, Always Patsy, Elvis, Craig Morgan, comedian Bill Engvall, Diamond Rio, Electric Light Orchestra Experience, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Pete the Cat, Ricky Nelson Remembered, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Young Irelanders and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
Items range from $5 to $50, and they can only be picked up at the center.
The center also is selling tickets and gift certificates for upcoming shows
For more information, call (904) 276-6815 or visit thcenter.org.

Shred For Good: Challenge Enterprises offers shredding drop-off

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Shred for Good hosts Residential Shred Drop-Off events for the benefit of individuals that don’t have an ongoing need for regular shredding service. During the drop-off events every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, participants may deposit their sensitive documents in secure and locked bins at 3530 Enterprise Way in Green Cove Springs. The bins are then securely transported to the Shred for Good facility, where it is destroyed.
After a six-month shutdown for the pandemic, Shred for Good rolled out a rebooted Residential Shred Drop Off Program in October 2020. On the first day, 92 households were able to destroy 5,116 pounds of sensitive materials in just two hours. Each one of these events is focused on convenience for the consumer and streamlined processes for the staff.
Residential consumers now follow the signs to the drop zone, complete a short form, donate and drive away without ever having to leave their vehicle. Both the form and donation have been made available online in advance to save time.
The average household drops off about 55 pounds and donates $14 a visit. Considering that most drop-off shred sites charge more than $.50 a pound, the Shred for Good’s Residential Shred Drop-Off Program at $.26/pound is a cost-effective alternative for the community it serves.
Business and Commercial customers, please call (904) 252-9786 to schedule a pickup using one of our secure bins.

Clay County looks to fill several job openings

CLAY COUNTY – The Board of County Commissioners is 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 the University of Florida).
For more information, click the Career Opportunities tab on the county’s website, www.claycountygov.com.