Community gives families a happy Thanksgiving
More than 100 families who participate in the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation (MWYF) program recently received Thanksgiving meals to help ease the financial pressures of the holiday season. This effort was made possible through the generosity of Winn-Dixie and the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation —along with nonperishable food donations from the Northeast Florida community and various corporate partners.
Throughout the month of November, community members contributed through both drop-offs and scheduled pick-ups. Southeastern Grocers delivered pallets of food on Nov. 24, followed by turkey deliveries on the morning of Nov. 26.
More than 100 corporate and individual volunteers contributed their time, sorting and hand-delivering thousands of items over the two-day distribution period.
Volunteer breaking down pallets of food donated by Winn-Dixie to be sorted and bagged.
Deck the Hulls returns Dec. 10
Get ready to kick up your boots and jingle all the way with the St. Augustine Yacht Club’s second annual “Deck the Hulls” Holiday Hoe-Down, set for Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the club.
This festive evening is packed with fun for all ages: a lively photo booth sponsored by Leonard’s, line dancing and toe-tappin’ tunes, a mechanical bull, a popcorn station, boat decorating and raffle prizes throughout the night.
There will be a mouth-watering barbecue buffet featuring pulled pork, chicken, datil cornbread and more.
Entry to the event is free with a paid adult ticket for youth sailors who participate in the boat decorating contest. The boats that get the most votes win a cash prize.
This event supports youth programs, boats, scholarships and new facilities. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. The club is located at 442 Ocean Vista Ave. St. Augustine.
Tickets are available at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2nd-annual-deck-the-hulls-a-holiday-hoedown.
Guided exploration hike 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, Dec. 6.
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 open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It offers organically grown produce, pasture-raised chicken, eggs and pork; grass-fed and finished beef; local honey; raw milk; bone broth; whole grain, sourdough and gluten- and dairy-free sourdough breads; an array of baked goods; all-natural plant- and animal-based skincare; local artisans; and more. This charming venue located in the heart of Palm Valley affords customers both an indoor and an open-air shopping experience. Palm Valley Market — Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Blvd.
For more information, email info@PalmValleyMarket.com.
Farmers market open every Friday
The Ponte Vedra Friday Farmers Market takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday at Palm Valley Outdoors, 377 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, offering fresh produce, local farm goods and a welcoming space to connect with neighbors and small businesses.
This farmers market features fresh, organically grown produce; Florida grass-fed beef and pork; real local honey; pasture-raised chicken and eggs; wholegrain breads; gluten-free sourdough bread; natural botanical skincare; creations by local artisans and more in a family-friendly atmosphere.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
