Cypress Village saluted veterans throughout November

The president of the veterans committee of Cypress Village, a retirement care community, proclaimed November as "National Veterans and Military Families Month."

The proclamation was read aloud on Veterans Day during the annual flag raising ceremony. The American flag and POW/MIA flag were raised and will reside permanently as the community. After the ceremony, those in attendance enjoyed a cookout.

In October, Cypress Village created a "Wall of Heroes" displaying photographs of residents with their service photos. The display was dedicated during a special ceremony to honor "the patriotism and sacrifice of those who served." The "Wall of Heroes" includes 15 photos of veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard and first responders who were firefighters and police officers.

Related | Read more good news stories from the Jacksonville area

Cypress Village has over 120 veterans in residence and the community hosts birthday parties for each branch of the military. In addition, there are regular social groups for veterans and onsite services where veterans can get assistance with their VA benefits.

Here's more good news:

? Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is sponsoring Luminaria 2019 in Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach and selling luminaria kits to benefit several local charities.

Luminaria 2019 is scheduled for Dec. 22 in the neighborhoods surrounding the real estate company's Beaches office. Additional luminaria events will be held in areas around the company's Ponte Vedra/Nocatee, St. Augustine/Murabella, and Fleming Island offices. The dates for those will be announced by neighborhood associations in those areas.

The luminaria kits are on sale until 4 p.m. on Dec. 21, while supplies last. The kits were assembled by local charitable organization, Pine Castle. Some of the groups supported by proceeds from the Luminaria events are Boy Scout Troop 15, K9s for Warriors, Blessings in a Backpack, Matanzas Riverkeeper and Pace Center for Girls-Clay County.

Each kit costs $10, by cash or check only, which are payable to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. The luminaria kits include 12 bags, 12 candles and sand. The kits are available at the following Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty office locations:

Beaches: 375-1 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach

Fleming Island/Orange Park: 3535 Highway 17, Suite 10, Fleming Island

Murabella at World Golf Village: 196 Capulet Drive, Suite 3, St. Augustine

Ponte Vedra/Nocatee: 333 Village Main St., Suite 670, Ponte Vedra Beach

St. Augustine: 112 Sea Grove Main St., Suite 210, St. Augustine Beach

According to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, this is the fourth year the company has hosted Luminaria and over $61,000 has been raised for local charities. For more information about Luminaria 2019, go to www.FloridaNetworkRealty.com/Luminaria or call (904) 296-6400.

? In November, the March of Dimes Jacksonville Market hosted the annual Signature Chefs Auction with over 250 guests in attendance. Over $165,000 was raised at the culinary benefit, held at the Timuquana Country Club.

Some of Jacksonville's finest chefs prepared their signature dishes and attendees had the opportunity to bid on a variety of items.

According to the March of Dimes, chefs and restaurants who participated in the event were Zach Drawdy, One Ocean Resort & Spa; Don Richardson, Barrique Kitchen & Wine Bar; Steve Crawford, Congaree and Penn; Laird Boles, The Ice Plant; Chef Carrie Eagle, Mezza Restaurant & Bar; Tom Gray, Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails; Logan McCurry, Nineteen at TPC Sawgrass; Tony Charbonnet, Publix Aprons Cooking School/Event Planning Catering; and Chris Robert, Royal Palm Village Wine & Tapas.

The Gold Sponsors of the Signature Chefs Auction were Pediatric Eye Consultants of North Florida, Atlantic Eye Institute, Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating, Wells Fargo, Chamberlain University, CBS 47/FOX 30 Action News Jax and valet sponsor Porsche Jacksonville.

Have good news? You can mail to The Florida Times-Union, P.O. Box 1949, Jacksonville, FL 32231 or email jkanner@jacksonville.com.

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