St. Johns River Orioles Nest 324

President Jim Laquidara of the Fraternal Order Orioles, St. Johns River Nest 324, announced to Historic City News that, in keeping with the organization’s charter requirement that all profits must be donated to charitable causes, his club has chosen to act as benefactor to St. Johns County schools.

On January 14, 2011, Orioles Nest 324 opened near the St. Johns River at 9155 CR-13.

“We are one of the newest clubs in the 101-year-old Fraternal Order Orioles community organization,” Laquidara told Historic City News. “In less than a year, we have already grown to 400 new members.”

So far, Nest 324 has donated money to Pacetti Bay Middle School and St. Josephs Academy, and additional donations are already planned for Mill Creek Elementary and Wards Creek Elementary schools.

“We wanted a clear focus for our charitable donations, and the educational system seemed to be in great need,” Laquidara said. “My wife teaches high school and we have two children in St. Augustine schools — we see teachers buying school supplies with their own money.”

St. Johns River Nest 324 encourages local schools to make “specific needs requests” because Laquidara says, “Our members are very glad that their club’s profits are going to help out local schools at a time when their budgets are severely strained.”

The club also raises money for other charitable organizations such as the St. Johns County Police Athletic League. The club is holding a BBQ benefit for the league tomorrow.

Founded on the principles of community, fraternity and charity, Orioles nests are open to all adults who wish to apply. Annual dues for members of St. Johns River Nest 324 are $10.

St. Johns River Nest 324 is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight; providing members a place to socialize, enjoy different nightly activities, and view a variety of televised sporting events on numerous big-screen TVs. The club is smoke-free and offers a full bar.

Laquidara said folks are joining Nest 324 from the surrounding area, too; including nearby World Golf Village, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Green Cove Springs, Putnam County, as well as several snowbirds visiting during the winter.

In addition to the regularly scheduled nightly events listed below, Laquidara says that bands are often booked on weekend nights.

Mexican Monday – Taco Buffet
Tuesday – Free Pool & Beer Pong
Wednesday – Free Darts & Foosball
Thursday – Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament
Friday – Karaoke
Saturday – College Football with Big 10 Network
Sunday – Pro Football with NFL Sunday Ticket

For information, call Nest 324 at 904-814-8298.