In December, the Rotary Club of Palm Valley took up the bells to ring for the Salvation Army. The club set up at the Sawgrass and Nocatee Publix. The club extended its thanks to Publix for allowing club members to be in front of the stores. Santa was kind enough to grab a bell to ring for the Salvation Army.
The club had 12 shifts from Dec. 6 to 20. This December, the generous people of Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee gave to the Salvation Army 20% more than last year.
Now, during one of the bell ringing shift, Elvis Presley was spotted. Elvis not only dropped in some money but said, “Here is some of my Money, Honey.” Elvis then took one of the bells from a Rotarian and worked the crowd coming out of Publix. Many customers got their picture taken with Elvis, after a nice donation, of course. The King may have left the building, but not before significantly boosting the club’s kettle totals.
On Jan. 23, the Rotary Club of Palm Valley attended the Icemen's game at VyStar Arena, and some members found it to be an educational experience.
One Rotarian, who had never attended or seen a hockey game, was overheard asking, “Are we watching wrestling, cage fighting, boxing and maybe a little hockey?” The answer, of course, was all of the above — yes.
Members quickly learned that penalty boxes aren’t just suggestions, and that missing teeth are apparently a badge of honor in this sport. Despite — or perhaps because of — the on-ice chaos, the club had a fantastic time enjoying food and drink while cheering on the Icemen. It was a memorable evening of community fellowship and sportsmanship (of a sort).
Welcome, Dr. Debra Kersey
Dr. Debra Kersey joined the Rotary Club of Palm Valley in 2025.
“Dr. Deb has already made a meaningful impact on our club,” said President Will Burke. Since joining, she has enthusiastically attended club socials, served as committee chair for the annual Christmas Bash, and volunteered as a Salvation Army bell ringer.
Kersey, who practices at Ponte Vedra Wellness Center, earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Marietta, Georgia. She also holds advanced certification in the Webster Technique, a specialized approach that allows her to support pregnant patients by promoting safer, more efficient and more comfortable labor experiences.
She is an active member of the Florida Chiropractic Association and has held a variety of leadership roles throughout her professional career. For 23 years, Kersey has been serving the needs of patients in Jacksonville.
At the heart of Kersey’s practice is a simple but powerful goal: to help the body heal itself and to restore patients experiencing pain to a normal, active lifestyle. Her work reflects both technical expertise and genuine compassion.
Outside her practice, Kersey enjoys quilting and curling, serving as secretary of the Jacksonville Granite Curling Club since 2018.
