The South Ponte Vedra News
December 2025
News Editor: Diane Henn
MONTHLY HAPPENINGS Second Friday Social!
Dec. 12, 6:00-8:30PM ($25/pp)
Bingo
3rd Tuesday, 7 PM
Mark Powell
Book Club
Monday, Dec 29th, 3-5 PM Cindy Fraher
Bridge
3rd Thurs, 6 PM, Dec only. Pat Zaborsky
Canasta
2nd Wednesday, 1-4 PM
Last Wednesday, 10-2 PM
Kai Long
Computer Tutor
By Appointment, Mon-Sat.
Amy Howard
Exercise:
Walking Class
Mon & Wed, 8:30–9:15 AM Pilates
Mon & Wed, 9:15-10 AM
Celia Moore
Ladies Who Lunch
3rd Thursday, Time: Pg 2
Sue Olsen
Mah Jongg Early Learners Fridays, 10 AM
Kai Long
Mah Jongg
Fridays, 12:30 PM
Marcia Farrell
Men Who Munch
3rd Thursday, Time: Pg 2
Bill Henn
Native Garden Club
Contact Amy
Amy Howard
Texas Hold’em
1st Thursday, 12 Noon
2nd Tuesday, 6 PM
Bob Wagner
South Ponte Vedra Civic Association, Inc. 2724 South Ponte Vedra Blvd.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-349-6163
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and
Happy New Year!
Greetings Fellow SPVCA Members:
This month, our theme will be “Toys” to celebrate the Holidays, and our 2nd Friday Social will include a Sing-Along with a little new twist! We will also be collecting items for the St. Johns County Fire Rescue’s Annual Toy Drive.
You are also welcome to help decorate our tree on December 6 at 11am.
Thank you to the multitude of Members who volunteered for our November Activities. • At our 2nd Friday Social we held our ‘Autumn Games’, recognized our Veterans, and held a successful Fundraiser to support the Council on Aging’s, Ramp Build Program. Our Hosts were comprised of Members who are part of the Ramp Build Team and their spouses. We even debuted a new dinner option: personalized, freshly made pizzas. Thanks to everyone who made the evening special.
• Thanks to all those who helped clean up our Golden Stretch of A1A on the 8th, with John Maury leading the effort.
• Thanks to all, led by Chris Rich, who made the A1A Garage Sale on the 15th a big success.
And we had several volunteers help build the first handicap access ramp of the season in support of the Council on Aging.
Thank you to those who have signed up to Host a 2nd Friday this coming year. We still have some openings. Please contact Joanne Edwards to sign up for the remaining opportunities in 2026.
Thank you for your donations of items for the St. Francis Housing Crisis Center in St. Augustine. In addition to the Toy Drive, this month we will be seeking additional donations for the Housing Crisis Center, which, at this time of year, are very much needed. Please drop off donations of items (see list in newsletter under Civic Outreach) anytime the Clubhouse is open.
Our Fiscal Year started on October 1. Membership Fees are due. If you have not already, please use the online membership renewal https://www.spvca.net/membership-renewal application-eform/. We appreciate your prompt payment. If you invite a New Member, there is a form for that on the website.
I also want to remind you that our Reserve Fund Campaign is still ongoing. Thank you to those who have already contributed. If you have not already, please consider supporting this critical need of the Association. We know that you get requests from many worthwhile organizations, especially at this time of the year, but it has been several years since we have made this type of request. We hope you will graciously consider a generous year-end
tax-deductible donation.
Another reminder to all, to please check the Member Directory on http://www.spvca.net/ to make sure you are in the Directory, including your email and phone number. If you are not in the Directory or need to update, use your Membership Renewal as an opportunity to do so. P.S - We are still looking for those ‘selfies’ to add to the Member Directory.
We thank you for, and encourage, your continued input regarding potential things you think we should consider doing (big or small) to improve as an Association, your experience as a Member, or to better serve the Community. We have responded to many of your suggestions this past year and will continue to do this year.
Thank you for the efforts of all the Members who participate and volunteer for all the Activities throughout the year. Thank you, and the Association depends on your continued support as well as inviting others to join.
Best Wishes and Peace to All!
Respectfully, Glenn Perry
SPVCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026 President Glenn Perry Vice President Bob Wagner Secretary Donni Sadaka Treasurer Chris Rich Membership Noel Olson Social Chair Joanne Edwards Civic Outreach Maureen O’Connor Maintenance Joe Moore Finance & Technical Support Ron Cook Newsletter Diane Henn Director at Large Roger Fry
To contact any Board Member, go to SPVCA.NET
and hit the “CONTACT INFO” button in the upper right corner of the page LADIES WHO LUNCH
MEN WHO MUNCH
4100 Coastal Hwy, St. Augustine th
36 Grenada St., St. Augustine th
Thursday, December 18
, 11:30AM
Thursday, December 18
, 11:30AM
To join the group, sign up on GroupValet Contact: Sue Olsen
SPVCA FOOD PANTRY
Don’t forget, there are many homes with empty pantries. Please help those families keep food on the table by donating to the SPVCA Clubhouse Bin every First Saturday from 9:45 to 11AM, during 2nd Friday Socials &
whenever the Clubhouse is open!
Thank you!
BINGO THIS MONTH!
rd Tuesday, December 16
To join the group, sign up on GroupValet Contact: Bill Henn
BOOK CLUB
Monday, December 29th, 3 PM (Date Change!) The Personal Librarian
By Marie Benedict
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection. But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene, but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African-American.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE!
3
th
, 7PM
Please join us.
A minimum of 8 players is required.
Sign up on Group Valet no later than Sunday, th
We encourage all Members to add their picture to their On-Line Member Directory Listing, thus “Adding a Name to a Face”.
To simplify the process, which can be daunting for those not familiar with Photo Editing, please email your Head Shot to Ron Cook.
December 14
,
He will process your picture and
or it will be cancelled!
add it to your listing.
-Membership Renewals- -2025/26 - By Noel Olsen
We welcome you to renew your Annual SPVCA Membership! You should have already received an email but, if not, please see the following.
Membership renewals were due by September 30th.
Family Membership is $130 per year and Single Membership is $65 per year. The only way the Board can continue to provide SPVCA’s value is through your continued, valuable membership. Building maintenance is ongoing and a full slate of activities at the Clubhouse and Outreach, are planned for this year.
To renew your Membership, please click on this link: Membership Renewal Application eForm – South Ponte Vedra Civic Association (spvca.net) . Enter the appropriate information & click on SUBMIT. If this is a Family Membership and you have not already, we ask that you add additional names, emails and phone numbers so each Member can have access to our Website and Reservation System (Group Valet) and receive information on the Activities of Interest.
If for any reason you do not wish to use the Website, you can print & mail your Renewal Form. For an application in pdf format, click on the following link SPVCA Membership Renewal Form 2025-2026 Fill out the form and either mail it to the address below, or email it to MYSPVCA@gmail.com .
Payment options are:
- Via Zelle with your bank to spvca@outlook.com.
- You can also pay by check to SPVCA 2724 Ponte Vedra Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl 32082. If there are changes to your Contact Information, please fill out the form and click SUBMIT.
Thank you for your continued participation in the South Ponte Vedra Civic Association!
Questions?
Contact: Noel Olson
- New Members! - By Ron Cook
We Extend A Hearty SPVCA Welcome to: - Kathleen & John Dickey -
For a New Member Application, please click the following link:
https://www.spvca.net/
which takes you to the SPVCA Home Page, where you can choose to download either a PDF, or a Word copy of a New Member Application.
- Social Committee News - By Joanne Edwards
Join us at our 2
nd Friday Social on Dec 12
th
Where Toys! will be in the Spotlight!
From Joanne Edwards, Our Social Chair:
Hopefully you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed our new venture with “Pizza Night”.
The feedback I have received has been positive and hopefully, you met new Members.
December is all about “TOYS!”
Poppy’s will be the caterer, so be ready for some good Italian Food!
Your December Social Hosts for the Evening include: Pat Cameron, Leslie Lewis, Kai & Bill Long, Marianne & Mark Powell, Sue & Herb Rippe, John & Sue Schulz and Jan & Ron Smith
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL ON DECEMBER 12TH FOR A WONDERFUL EVENING!
Please note:
We always need Volunteers to Host our Monthly 2nd Friday Socials!
Please consider stepping up, otherwise,
Socials will, and have been, canceled!
Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with Fellow Members, and contribute your effort to the SPVCA.
Joanne Edwards, our Social Chair, will assist you at every step.
Online Monthly Social Photo Viewing
To view the Monthly Social Pictures and others, clicking this link, Social Photos , takes you to the nd Friday Social Pictures”.
First Page of the SPVCA Website where there is a link to “Current 2
- Enjoy the View! -
- Native Garden Club - By Amy Howard
Merry Little Christmas Berry
A Christmas or two ago, or maybe three or four ago, Ladies Who Lunch lunched at the SPVCA Clubhouse while making Christmas ornaments. All the ladies stuffed all kinds of fashionables into elegant hanging glass globes.
Me, I wanted some nature in my glass globe. I was confident I’d find something cool in SPVCA’s unruly backyard. Lo and behold, actual Christmas Berries waggled in the wind like they were trying to join the party.
Native Christmas berry
(Lycium carolinianum)
Christmas Berry kicks off the Holidays in the Fall. It blooms gorgeous little lavender flowers. Then a few weeks later, surprise! Here come the bright red Christmas bulbs. They’re edible, too.
They taste like crunchy little tomatoes.
I snapped off a colorful twig and stuffed it into my glass globe. I hurried back inside to tell the Ladies the great news. I was sure they’d all run out and pick some Christmas berries for their artwork. Nope. They looked at my nature globe like a twig in a jar. But they were happy that I was happy. Now every time I pass by this twiggy tree in the wild, I feel cheery and thankful for my SPVCA Family.
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas Berry
- Ladies Who Lunch - By Sue Olsen
Ladies Who Lunch had their first experience at the new Kingfish Grill in the Cobblestone Shopping Center.
Eighteen Gals came out to try this new location.
The newly designed interior was quite impressive and
even more so, was the Owner coming to talk to the SPVCA Ladies. Since we had such a big group, we split into two tables.
Table 1, CW from left: Joanne Matthews, Ruth Ann Clarke, Diana Wozniak, Pat Christensen, Carol Boagey, Susanna Michler, Jane Mansell, Barbara Nailer, Lisa Goldberg and Barbara Cook
Table 1, CW from left: Susanna Michler, Jane Mansell, Barbara Nailler, Lisa Goldberg, Barbara Cook, Joanne Matthews, Ruth Ann Clarke, Diana Wozniak, Pat Christensen, Carol Boagey
Table 2, CW from left: Maureen O’Connor, Chris Rich, Marianne Powell, Leslie Lewis, Kay King, Cindy Fraher, Sue Olsen and Alice Gibson.
The Owner is in the background behind Kay King.
December's Holiday Luncheon will be at The Reef. We’ll meet there at 11:30AM.
- Men Who Munch - By Bill Henn
In November,
we were absolutely underwhelmed
by our Lunch at
Vincenzo’s Cucina
In December,
our gastronomical adventure will take place at
The French Pantry
St. Augustine
-- Civic Outreach - By Maureen O’Connor
Thanks to everyone for the November Donations to
St. Francis House, which were greatly appreciated and definitely needed.
This month we will be collecting donations of
- Toys -
For the St. Johns County Fire Rescue Annual Toy Drive
- and -
Food Items for the St. Francis House, once again.
Continuing our tradition of generously supporting this effort,
we will be collecting donations at the Clubhouse.
There will be a special receptacle inside the Front Entrance for this. Additional details will be sent via email soon.
As St. Francis House works with the homeless to find shelters and housing, they request simple-to-prepare foods – i.e. pop-top cans, microwavable foods, etc. along with the standard non-perishable foods such as:
Pasta
Spam
Cereals
Tuna (pop-top cans)
Canned Vegetables (pop-top cans)
Microwaveable Mac & Cheese Mixes
Pasta Sauce (plastic containers)
All Food Pantries are facing great demands and have not fully recovered from the suspension of SNAP due to the Federal Government shutdown.
Many Food Pantries are running very low on supplies.
Your donations are greatly appreciated and needed.
Thank you for your continued support of our Community.
Maureen O’Connor
- General Interest Topics - By Glenn Perry
• There are many St. Johns County issues that affect all of us. For example, Zoning and Permit issues that affect you or your neighborhood including the A1A Corridor. Look up the status of any permits or inspections on your own property. Keep abreast of any opportunities for you to provide your input by knowing how to find out and receive notices. See
https://www.sjcfl.us/stay-informed/ including the administrator’s monthly letter https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Community-Letter-from-County-Administrator-Joy Andrews.html?soid=1102402690952&aid=ii0ugBae1FI
• The County has created a new section on its website to inform Residents about planned, ongoing, and completed Public Works, Utilities, and Coastal Projects: www.sjcfl.us/services-and information/featured-projects/
• The County is still seeking input from Citizens on future Coastal Management Plans. Survey is at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8127600/b78308539dcd .They are planning on making recommendations in early 2026.
• St. Johns County is still moving forward with plans to restore approximately 5 miles of damaged dunes from 3175 S Ponte Vedra Blvd (Serenata Beach Villas) to 2539 S Ponte Vedra Blvd (2 miles north of SPVCA) but is now scheduled for spring/summer. Funding is from FEMA and the State.
• If you are planning on replacing your tattered U.S. Flag, know that the County lists numerous Drop-Off Bin locations on its website https://www.sjcfl.us/departments/solid-waste-mgmt/. The County just announced that it has collected over 22,000 flags since 2019. Click on “Recycle Coach”, then “what goes where”, and type in “flag” and a list should appear. Speaking of recycling, the County announced a record 46% recycling rate.
• For St. Johns County Government information and to sign up for newsletters of interest: https://www.sjcfl.us/stay-informed (Or download the app for your phone:
https://www.sjcfl.us/sjc-connect/
SPVCA “Assistive Medical Equipment Lending Tree for Members” If you have a wheelchair, walker, cane or other assistive medical equipment which you no longer need, please contact Lisa Goldberg for listing your name and the equipment you are willing to lend. It will be
added to a list posted on the SPVCA website where Members in need of such equipment can look for availability. Contact Lisa if your needed equipment is available or make a request to be notified when it may become available.
Are you, your Family, or someone you know,
looking for a venue to hold a Meeting,
Family Reunion, Birthday Party, Wedding, Memorial Service, etc.?
- There are dates and times when the SPVCA Facility is available -
- The Facility can accommodate as many as 92 people with tables and chairs - - It is affordable and there is a discount for Members! –
- The SPVCA Facility Use Categories and Fees can be found on the SPVCA Homepage.
For additional information, contact the Building Coordinator under “Contact” on the SPVCA Website.
- Adopt-A-Highway - - Litter Removal Program - By John Maury
Our Volunteers The Results!
South Ponte Vedra Civic Association did an Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup Event on November 8, 2025. We had 10 volunteers and despite the condition of A1A being better than usual, about 300 lb of litter were
removed and the neighborhood around our Clubhouse is now looking very good.
Our Crew:
David Bonewell, Bently Burnham, Roger Fry, Gerri Gass,
John Maury, Joe Moore, Ed Olsen, Glenn Perry,
Chris Rich and Susan Rippe
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped fulfill our commitment to the Community and to all those who helped publicize the event.
We would like to add Special Thanks to Dori Perry, who walks a considerable length of A1A every day and collects trash as she goes. Dori lessens our workload and helps keep the highway looking good all the time. We greatly appreciate you and all your help, Dori!
John Maury
- A Sneak Peek! - By Carol & Don Nelson
Stay in shape and have fun
whether you are 39 or 81...
No sign-up, no fuss,
just come exercise with us.
Mon. & Wed.
Eight-Thirty to Ten...
We hope to see you then!
- Very Happy Birthdays! - By Ron Cook
- David Boree -
- Joanne Edwards -
- Cindy Rooney -
- Tucker White -
We can and will wish you a “Happy Birthday” in the Newsletter,
only if you have registered and then listed your Birthday (month/day only) in the SPVCA Member Directory.
To record your Birthday on our Website,
please follow the instructions on the SPVCA Website page in this Newsletter. Any questions/problems should be directed to: Ron Cook
- It’s The Law??? - By Alan M. Fisher, Esq.
Passing a Bar Exam is required to become a lawyer. It’s The Law???
Generally, graduating from a law school is necessary to become a lawyer. It’s The Law???
Four states, California, Virginia, Vermont and Washington, allow someone to become a lawyer without graduating from law school. It’s The Law???
To become a lawyer in those states you still need to pass the Bar Exam. In addition some form of apprenticeship and sometimes a test is required, unless you graduate from an accredited law school. It’s The Law???
Until recently, the youngest person to pass the California Bar was Peter Park at 17 years and 11 months. Last year, his sister, Sophia Park, beat him. She passed the Bar at the ripe old age of 17 years and 8 months. Some states require you to be 18 before you can sit for the Bar Exam. It’s The Law???
Kim Kardashian began her legal journey six years ago and, after three attempts, passed what is known in California as the “Baby Bar” on her fourth try. The Baby Bar is only required of students such as Kardashian, who do not go to an accredited law school. It’s The Law???
Kardashian sat for the California Bar Exam in July, 2025. And she acknowledges that while she plays a well dressed lawyer on TV, she is not a lawyer. She flunked the Bar Exam.
So lawyers need to pass a Bar Exam and meet other requirements to be allowed to practice law. What about judges?
For the most visible Federal judges—Supreme Court justices, Circuit Court judges, and District Court judges—there is no formal law requiring them to be attorneys. It’s The Law???
As a practical matter, it has been an unbreakable tradition that every nominee has a significant legal background. Interestingly, U.S. Magistrate and Bankruptcy Judges must be lawyers. It’s The Law???
Traditions can be broken, and are not the law, so in theory a Federal Judge could be a non-lawyer. It’s The Law???
Most states require upper level judges to be lawyers. However, not all do. In those states and in the Federal System, anyone can be a judge. It’s The Law???
Perhaps we will see actors who play judges, either get elected or appointed as judges where allowed. It’s The Law???
Disclaimer- This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice.
If you have a legal issue, consult an attorney.
- Thank You! - By Staff
SPVCA Handicap Ramp Crew:
Several Members led by Joe Fleming completed a Handicap Ramp for the Council on Aging, November 11-12, in Hastings. Members participating included Joe Fleming, Roger Fry, Ed Olsen, Gary Berg, Joe Moore, Jay Gass and Glenn Perry.
Silent Auction:
Thanks to many generous Members, the Silent Auction held at the November 2nd Friday Social raised $10,000 including auctioned items, cash donations and some matching gifts by anonymous Members.
Thanks to those who donated items to be auctioned and to Joe and Bess Fleming for organizing and setting up, with the help of Gary Berg.
Fall Games:
Our Fall Games, led by Sue and Ed Olsen, were held as part of our November 2nd Friday Social. Thanks to Ed, Sue, Bentley Burnham and two non-Member friends,
for prepping and sprucing up the Recreation Area.
Also, thanks to the Scorers: Claudia Johns, Lisa Goldberg, Kevin Fraher, Ed Olsen and Rick Lofgren.
Corn Hole Bocce
(cont’d next)
- Thank You! - By Staff
SPVCA Garage Sale
Thanks to Chris Rich and everyone who helped make the A1A Garage Sale a success. We raised over $1500!
Helping Chris were many volunteers including:
Janet Gandara, Amy Howard, Renee Jamison, Joe Moore, David Otzel, Donna Otzel, Dori Perry, Marianne Powell, Jan Smith, Joy Spall and Bob Wagner
- Winner’s Circle - By Diane Henn, et al
- Bridge Club -
Bill Bald and Pat Zaborsky won the First Place Prize on November 6th, but no one won the Grand Slam, or Small Slam Prize.
Bill Bald and Pat Zaborsky won the First Place Prize on November 20th, but, again, no one won the Grand Slam, or Small Slam Prize.
- Second Friday Social -
Fall Games Winners
Corn Hole – Carole Barry
Horseshoes – Scott Fisher
Bocce – Rick Lofgren & Bill Johns
- Texas Hold’em -
No Games, due to lack of players
-- SPVCA Website Notes - By Ron Cook
We have updated our website with new software. The look and feel is a little different but I think you will enjoy it. In order to access your account, please follow the instructions below.
1) Login Process - All you need to do is visit www.spvca.net, click Login/Register, click Forgot Password, and enter in your email address. You will receive an email in a few minutes from noreply@phasethree.com that will contain a link to reset your Password. If you are having problems, contact the Administrator at myspvca@gmail.com .
2) Update your information – Once you have logged in, go to the Directory of Members & make sure your information is correct.
The New Website Contains Lots of Useful Information • The HOME Page includes certain links including “The Current Newsletter”, “Current 2nd Friday Social Pictures”, and others.
• The ABOUT US drop-down has links to “Who we are & What we do”, “Newsletters”, “Important Phone Numbers” and “Photo Gallery”.
• The DOCUMENTS drop-down has links to Meeting Minutes, Newsletters, Budgets & other Organizational Documents.
• The DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS drop-down allows you to look up any Member.
• The CALENDAR shows all up-to-date activities.
• The Membership drop-down has e-forms you can use for electronically submitting applications for New Memberships or Renewals.
• The NEWS Page will be used in the future to post important information for our Members. • The CONTACT Page allows you to send messages to the entire Board, or certain Board positions. - GroupValet Notes - By Ron Cook
We send out many group signup invitations with GroupValet. In order to access updated information, you may want to download the app on your phone. You can download it from any email you get from GroupValet. Once you have downloaded the app, you can assign a userid by keying in your email address & assigning a password.
For Apple users, click on: For Android users, click on:
Food and arrangements are made for each activity, based on the number of sign-ups. If your plans change after the sign-up closes, please contact the organizer of that event directly so they will have an accurate count of attendees.
Second Fridays Ladies Who Lunch Men Who Munch Joanne Edwards Sue Olsen Bill Henn OR Ron Cook Bingo: Mark Powell OR Dennis Froio OR Ron Cook