Connie Thomas

22/03/2024

16/03/2024

Grove Park Elementary starting at 11am!

Here we come Orange Park!

I hear that train a comin
She’s rollin round the bend
There is a lot of sunshine
And a little wind
But nothins goin to stop us
Cause we’ve got work to do
I hear that train a blowin
Soundin out our care for you!

Impact Clay Train - Orange Park Stop

03/03/2024

The Choo

Living in the Town of Orange Park means living among beautiful oaks, magnolias, water vistas, eagles, owls, and trains!

This area was settled due to two major components: the Steamboat and the Train. Kingsley Avenue has had the honor of anchoring these great modes of transportation over the past several centuries. Although the Town is no longer an official train stop, the depot remains, and the tracks are more active than ever!

When we have had overnight visitors over the years, they remark about hearing the train. We are always surprised because it has been just one of the many background sensory threads we don’t "hear"!

But over the past seven months, the Choo of the train has been maddening. I hear it all of the time now. When the Impact Clay Train was formulating, the Choo was constant. I started speaking aloud, “Okay God, I Get It”.

The Choo has become a driving reminder of the compassion and care that must be brought to serve those who cannot access services. The Choo has become a form of love that cannot be quantified or qualified. The Choo has become a reminder that it only takes a few people to change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has!

In our case, 77 souls of great light create the Impact Clay Train. It is a sight to behold!

May the Choo be a blessing and a benefit for many years to come! And, as the Choo floats through your auditory senses from time to time, may it become a signal for a brief prayer for the communities we serve.

Long Live The Choo!

29/02/2024

My fellow DAWG is going to retire! It was a privilege to work with Chief Goble of our Orange Park Police Department! His wisdom and grounded thinking was always a given! He will be greatly missed! I am thinking we may find him Between the Hedges in the not too distant future! Go Gary Goble and Go DAWGS!

ORANGE PARK – Gary Goble will key his microphone and provide dispatch with a code 10-7, followed by 10-42. With that, he will be retired as the town’s police chief. Code 10-7 means out of …

29/02/2024

Happy Birthday to Clay County’s Augusta Savage!

2/29 Today in Florida History from the Florida Historical Society!

1892 – Sculptor Augusta Christine Savage (née Fells) was born in Green Gove Springs on this date. Savage was considered a preeminent contributor to the Harlem Renaissance movement of the early twentieth century. Her work was featured in many prominent shows, including the 1939 New York World’s Fair and a permanent display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Savage was a proponent of equal rights for African Americans throughout her life and constantly worked to help teach art and sculpture to future generations. The Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center in Green Cove Springs is named in her honor.

29/02/2024

Another spectacular addition to our Impact Clay Team!

We are honored to announce Brooke Davies will expand our Impact Clay Team as Director of Community Development! This integral leadership position will open new doors of service to our Clay County community!

28/02/2024

We are building an extraordinary team of people with a heart for service in our community!

We are honored to announce Michelle Reaves as our new Director of Operations! Impact Clay is in great hands!

24/02/2024

If I still had my goat named Mustard, I would attend this clinic! So fun!

Join us for a Goat Clinic in March! RSVP here -> http://tinyurl.com/2024GoatClinic

22/02/2024

Great work! It is beautiful and enhances the bike lane!! Way to go Naomi!

21/02/2024

The Impact Clay Train is coming to Orange Park!

Our school flyer is ready for our Orange Park Train Stop at Grove Park Elementary School on March 16th!

Thank you to our Clay County, FL Government Volunteer Services for setting up our volunteer link! Join us!

https://volunteer.claycountygov.com/need/detail/?need_id=909334

W. E. Cherry Elementary School
Orange Park Elementary School
St. Johns Classical Academy, Orange Park Campus
Town of Orange Park
Montclair Elementary School
Orange Park Junior High School
Orange Park High School
The Backyard at Orange Park High - A Community Partnership School
Lakeside Elementary School
Lakeside Junior High School
Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise
Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunset
Rotary Club of Orange Park
Orange Park Lions Club
ABWA - Orange Park Charter Chapter
Springs Church Outreach
Celebration Church OP
Clay County Chamber of Commerce Florida
Challenge Enterprises
Clay County Ministerial Alliance
One Clay
The Neighbor to Neighbor newspaper
Clay Today Newspaper
First Baptist Church of Orange Park
Orange Park Athletic Association
Grace Episcopal Church of Orange Park
Orange Park Presbyterian Church
Orange Park United Methodist
Highpoint Community Church of Orange Park
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Orange Park, FL
The Clothes Closet and Food Pantry
Orange Park Mall
Church of Eleven 22-Fleming Island
River Christian Church
Christ's Church Fleming Island
Advent Lutheran Church
St. James A.M.E Church