Our next meeting is:
March 12, 2026
The Environment Committee will host the March 12th meeting with featured speaker Douglas Conkey, Intergovernmental Coordinator for the St. Johns River and Waste Management District. Please remember to bring old frames in good shape to revive with more archived GCS photos and please wear green.
You are invited and welcome to our monthly general meetings!
Come and see who we are and what we do.
Come as a guest and leave as a friend!
Highlights from our February 12th Meeting
The Health & Wellness Committee hosted the February meeting, which featured speakers Tracy and Matt Hardy, co-owners of Assisting Hands South Jacksonville. Members wore red to recognize the month as Heart Month, Candy for staff and 102 Valentine cards were donated and delivered to the Green Cove Springs Senior Center. Members enjoyed Valentine-themed trivia questions, which were answered and guessed by attendees. Member Bobbi Nagle outlasted everyone and took home the prize of the day.
Highlights from our January 8th Meeting
Arts & Culture Committee hosted the January meeting and the speaker was the grandson of one of the original Florida Highwaymen painters. The Florida Highwaymen were a group of African American artists who, beginning in the 1950s, created vibrant landscapes of Florida and sold their paintings directly to tourists and businesses along the state’s highways. Working outside the traditional gallery system, their art helped preserve Florida’s natural beauty and has since gained national recognition.
Highlights from our December 8th meeting
In true holiday fashion, our December meeting was a Holiday party! Our clubhouse looked holiday festive, and our building was “dressed and ready”. Each respective committee member enjoyed their time on the “red carpet” as our President Larianne summarized their projects and accomplishments over the past year. Every holiday season, the VIA historically “gives back” to a needy cause to make the holidays brighter for someone. For our December meeting, members brought a new pair of athletic pants to be given to Charles E Bennett Elementary School. Our holiday sweaters, festive colors and delicious treats added to our great time!
Highlights from our November 13th Meeting
The Civic Engagement and Outreach Committee
held the November meeting which recognized the Veterans Day holiday and focused on the role of our nation’s armed forces.
Marnie Buchanan gave a tribute to the missing man table. Our guest speaker Brian Stewart, the Soldier & Family Readiness Specialist from the Florida Army National Guard, stationed at Camp Blanding shared stories from his lengthy military career and make us more aware of the current important role, challenges, and needs of the men and women currently serving at Camp Blanding (Clay County’s own military installation). Also in attendance was Albert Figueroa, Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist and Ken Remsen, Certified Financial Planner.
Thank you to all who supported the request for gift cards for our service members from Mission 11th Hour; $1000 was collected.
Highlights from our October 9th Meeting
The meeting was hosted by the Education and Libraries Committee and featured guest speaker Ashley Gilhousen, Clay County District School Board member, who answered some of our questions.
Table centerpieces featured lunch boxes from the past.
Highlights from our September 11th Open House
Our Open House had a great turnout. The room looked amazing due to the creativity of our members; decorations, delicious food, display boards and tables from each Special Program and Community Service Program Committee captured the most fun moments of each committee’s events. Guests were greeted by our friendly and inviting members. Congratulations on another amazing Open House!
Read the article in the Clay Today and view more photos of the event.
The mission continues for Village Improvement Association | Clay Today
By Kyla Woodard
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Highlights from our May 8th Meeting
Hosted by the Arts and Culture Committee our guest speaker was artist Beth Hazilip. Beth’s paintings range from florals, seascapes, landscapes to still lifes, and portraiture. She finds great joy in sharing her art techniques in acrylics with others. Beth’s artwork and awards can be reviewed at https://www.bethhaizlip.com/ VIA Education and Libraries Committee awarded a scholarship to Clay High School senior MacKenzie Sprague. VIA also announced club raffle winners.
Highlights from our April 10th Meeting
Our Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Committee hosted guest speakers from Village of Hope, who assist woman seeking a life free from trafficking, addiction, and exploitation. Club members held a tea party to honor Villages of Hope (GFWC Florida District 4 Director Terry Laws Special Project), they also welcomed Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook and guests from Quigley House.
Highlights from our March 13th Meeting
Hosted by the Environment Committee
The VIA March meeting, where members wore green, was hosted by the Environment Committee. The featured speaker Elizabeth Smith, Administrative Secretary, Florida Forest Service, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented what the VIA, Mae Mann Jennings and Forestry Services have in common. Our collection of cat food continues.
Highlights from our February 13th Meeting
Members wore red in honor of Go Red for Women and February as Heart month. Featured speaker was Andrea Crowder, Way Free Medical Center, Executive Director. Club members contributed 1606 wipes and 423 diapers.
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Highlights from our January 9th meeting
This meeting included celebrating the 140-year impact of the VIA with a viewing of the 150th Green Cove Springs history YouTube video.
Watch the 150th anniversary video here: https://youtu.be/9LPlX7zhdxA
Highlights from our December 12th Holiday Celebration Meeting
This meeting included election of Officers for 2025-2027,
a Holiday gathering, and Installation of Officers