Halloween fun planned at GTM Reserve
It’s time for EstuScary 2025 at the GTM Reserve! This year, there are two Haunted Trail Nights and one special Trunk-or-Treat afternoon for the little ones.
Beach exploration planned
Join volunteers at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve for a beach exploration from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.
Collect seashells, search for shark teeth and learn about coastal wildlife.
Meet at the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Hat, insect repellent, water and sunscreen are recommended. The event is free but online registration is required. Register at: gtmnerr.org/calendar.
Filipino fare to be featured
In celebration of Filipino-American History Month, 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop is hosting a one-night-only Taste of the Philippines – 1912 Edition culinary experience on Sunday, Oct. 19, that brings the rich flavors and traditions of the Philippines to life.
The menu features classics like Lechon Pork Belly, Chicken BBQ Skewers, Pork Lumpia, Vegetable Pancit, Garlic Coconut Fried Rice, Sinigang Garlic Butter Shrimp and Filipino sweet treats, alongside fresh fruits and accoutrements.
The night kicks off with a “Happy Half Hour” at 5:30 p.m., followed by the full Kamayan dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $85-plus per person for adults, $30-plus for children ages 9-12. Reservations are available through OpenTable.
Garden club topic to be mangroves
The Ribault Garden Club is planning a program on mangroves with guest speaker and Master Gardener Dianne Battle. Learn what constitutes a mangrove, where the word originated, their appearance, where they’re found and what species exist.
There will also be refreshments and a raffle. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 70 Second Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach.
Contact Sally Henry at 904-386-0327 or 1955mustangsally@gmail.com. For further information, go to Ribaultgc.org.
Put ‘the right plant in the right place’
The Ribault Garden Club will have a program during Garden Center Day, 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23. Duval County Master Gardener Nancy Trevor will discuss a principle of sustainable landscaping that involves selecting plants suited for specific site conditions. Admission is free and open to all. The meeting will be at 705 Second Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach. There will be refreshments and a raffle.
For further information, call 904-246-4641 or go to Ribaultgc.org.
St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society to observe Veterans Day
The St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society will mark Veterans Day at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the St. Augustine National Cemetery, 104 Marine St., St. Augustine. A brief ceremony discussing the Jews who have been identified in the cemetery will be followed by gravesite visitations to those who are known to be Jews and others who are likely to be Jews including burials from the Spanish-American War era.
All are welcome to this event. There is no charge. No advance arrangements are necessary. For best directions call 904-766-5222 or go to https://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/cems/nchp/staugustine.asp.
For further information about the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society, go to www.sajhs.com or call 804-914-4460.
Light up the holidays for families in need
Help brighten the holidays for local children, seniors and families. The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services’ (JFCS) beloved Holiday Gift Giving program is back. The program has brought joy to thousands in the Jacksonville area, supporting people of all faiths. It’s now time to give once again.
JFCS caseworkers collect wish lists from children and seniors in need, including children recently placed in foster care, isolated seniors and Holocaust survivors. With help from the community, we can all work together to ensure that every individual experiences the warmth and joy of the season, said JFCS Development Director Susie Menaged.
Last year, more than 1,600 clients received Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa gifts thanks to the generosity of donors. Supporters can participate by shopping for a gift to fulfill a child’s or senior’s wish list and then delivering it to JFCS by Monday, Dec. 8. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made online at JFCSJax.org.
For more information or to sponsor a child or senior, contact Melissa Sturgis at Holidays@jfcsjax.org.
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.
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.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
