Workshops of the Past
The Suwanee Valley Unsolved Organization presentation
The Suwanee Valley Unsolved Organization presentation
From 10:15 am until 12:15 pm
At Ponte Vedra Beach Library
101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
The Suwanee Valley Unsolved Organization presentation in-person at PV Library at 10:15
Nonprofit focused on educating the community, advocating for families affected, and assisting law enforcement on unsolved homicide cases.
Mission: To provide support, advocacy, and resources for families of unsolved homicide and missing persons cases, and to assist law enforcement agencies in bringing justice and resolution.
https://www.facebook.com/SuwanneeValleyUnsolved/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/suwanneevalleyunsolved
https://www.instagram.com/SuwanneeValleyUnsolved/
http://suwanneevalleyunsolved.org/ (Coming Soon as of 08/24/2024)
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Workshop with Lynda J Bergh - PI
Lynda J. Bergh -PI - The Life of a Female Private Investigator
From 11:15 am until 12:15 pm
At Hybrid Meeting in Person and On Zoom
101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Lynda J. Bergh, PI. "The Life of a Female Private Investigator,"
https://www.ljbinvestigations.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lynda.bergh/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljbinvestigations
A private investigation firm specializing in due diligence, fraud, child custody, pre-employment backgrounds, elder abuse, pre-marital, missing persons, and insurance defense investigations.
Owner Lynda J. Bergh Herring, a native Californian, has been working in law enforcement or as an investigator since 1978 and licensed as a private investigator since 1996. With over 42 years of private investigation experience, I have conducted literally thousands of investigations for California legal, insurance, and private clients. I have also developed extensive sources and valuable contacts, both local and worldwide, and can provide reliable referrals to international investigators when needed. I deal with clients in a professional and compassionate yet direct and candid manner. I personally conduct the vast majority of the investigations handled by my firm. Should an investigation be conducted by another investigator, I oversee every step, review all information, and confirm the veracity of all findings prior to forwarding the results to the client.
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Workshop with Terry Shepherd -author-podcaster-publisher
Terry Shepherd -author-podcaster-publisher - Research & Writing Authentic Diverse Characters
From 10:15 am until 12:15 pm
At Ponte Vedra Beach Library
101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Terry Shepherd, author/podcaster/publisher presents "Research & Writing Authentic Diverse Characters"
I’m a writer and editor by trade, living in Jacksonville, Florida with my beautiful wife. Between the two of us, we earn enough to keep the lights on, pay the Internet bill and share adventures together. Except for a few excursions and some daily cardio, I spend every free minute in front of a keyboard, spilling out the contents of my disordered mind. Someday maybe it will coalesce into something with commercial appeal. I’m ok if it doesn’t.
Jessica Ramirez is my “protagonist”, what we call our heroes and heroines in the trade. Yes, she patterned after a real Latina cop and I base her on actual events in that cop’s life. To protect the innocent, I weave a composite of traits and adventures in the lives of some amazing police women I’ve had the honor of knowing. Jess has had her share of troubles navigating her career in a department that is one of the last bastions of overt male chauvinism. She’s far from perfect, but has a good heart and a desire for both justice and compassion. Her wild hair tendencies get her into trouble. “La Familia Ramirez” is her rock and her best friend and sometime partner Ali Clark is a confidant and fellow troublemaker.
https://www.facebook.com/the.terry.shepherd/
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Workshop with Charlene Shunick - missing persons advocate
Charlene Shunick - missing persons advocate - Resource Assoc for Missing People in Lafayette Louisiana
From 10:15 am until 12:15 pm
At Hybrid Meeting in Person and On Zoom
Charlene Shunick, missing persons advocate, Resource Assoc for Missing People in Lafayette, Louisiana
Resource Association for Missing People evolved from the Mickey Shunick missing person campaign, one that gained national exposure in record timing. This organization aims to raise public awareness about missing people, while providing an all-encompassing resource for those affected.
In May of 2012, Mickey Shunick, a vivacious, young student from Lafayette, Louisiana, unexpectedly went missing. Sister and founder of RAMissing People, Charlene, knew she had no choice but to act fast and diligently. With a determined heart and the support of a loving community, Mickey’s loved ones created a strategy to bring her home, while struggling with a variety of obstacles and setbacks that are common in missing person cases. The pain caused by the unknown when a loved one is missing can be debilitating. Charlene and the fellow organization members are determined to be a dependable, knowledgeable, trustworthy support system for those affected by a missing person.
https://ramissingpeople.org/ourstory/
https://www.facebook.com/charlene.shunick/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-shunick-62269891
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Workshop with Author Vikki Lund Downey
Author Vikki Lund Downey - Lifestyle of Wives of Police Officers & First Responders
From 10:15 am until 12:15 pm
At Hybrid Meeting in Person and On Zoom
Vikki Lund Downey discusses "Lifestyle of Wives of Police Officers & First Responders"
Vikki Downey is a powerful leader with a diverse background in entrepreneurship, education, and mentorship. Vikki graduated from UC Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, while at UCI, she actively engaged in leadership roles as Pi Beta Phi Chapter President and after college, dedicated herself to community service as a Girl Scout Leader of the Year.
As a proud Police Wife, Vikki has found her niche by inspiring other police wives to bring additional income into their families, reducing the need for their husbands to work excessive overtime hours. Alongside her husband, John, she has developed a plan to assist other police families in helping their officers retire early by leveraging the extra income generated from their online business.
https://www.instagram.com/thevikkidowney/
https://www.facebook.com/vikkidowney1
https://www.x.com/theVikkiDowney
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Vikki-Downey/author/B0CXW78RLN
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Tonya Oxendine - Wounded Warriors Project
Tonya Oxendine - Wounded Warriors Project - discusses "Secrets. Shadows, and Superheroes"
From 11:15 am until 12:15 pm
At Ponte Vedra Beach Library
101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Tonya Oxendine, Wounded Warriors Project discusses "Secrets. Shadows, and Superheroes"
Tonya Oxendine joined the U.S. Army a year after finishing high school — mostly to run away from a very difficult childhood and abusive family. Unfortunately, she left one abusive situation only to find another, as the first half of her nearly 30-year Army career was marred by harassment. Instead of seeking help, she remained silent and kept the pain and emotions bottled up inside. Tonya felt honored to be given the responsibility to serve her country and she didn’t want to jeopardize that. But eventually, during Tonya’s last deployment in Afghanistan, all of the pent-up emotions started to take a toll on her mentally.
“It hit all at once in 2012 during the deployment in Afghanistan,” Tonya said. “The memories of the death and suffering I saw — all this stuff came crashing down. I couldn’t take it anymore.”
It would be two more years before Tonya finally sought help for her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the severe depression and anxiety she was experiencing. The Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Talk program gave her the connection she needed to someone who not only listened but, as she came to realize, was always there for her. She also received mental health treatment at Emory Healthcare — part of the WWP Warrior Care Network® — which helps veterans like Tonya who are living with PTSD.
https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/tonya-oxendine
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July Is Vacation Month - No Meetings
Have a great time relaxing and decompressing - See you Next Month
July is a great month to take some time off and enjoy your friends and family either at home or at your favorite place to relax and enjoy.
3 Tips for Authors on a Creative Recharge Vacation
1. Immerse Yourself in a New Culture:
- Travel to a new place: Experience different customs, languages, and ways of life. This can inspire unique settings, characters, and plot points.
- Try local food: Taste new flavors and discover how they can be incorporated into your writing.
- Attend cultural events: Immerse yourself in the local arts, music, and traditions.
2. Connect with Nature:
- Spend time outdoors: Hike, camp, or simply sit by a body of water. Nature can be a powerful source of inspiration.
- Observe wildlife: Watch animals in their natural habitat for unique insights into behavior and interactions.
- Practice mindfulness: Engage in activities like meditation or yoga to connect with your inner self.
3. Explore Your Interests:
- Visit museums or galleries: Discover new art forms and historical perspectives.
- Attend workshops or classes: Learn new skills or deepen existing ones.
- Volunteer in your community: Give back to others while gaining valuable experiences.
2 Tips on How These Activities Can Help Your Writing
1. Expand Your Perspective:
- Gain new insights: Experiencing different cultures and perspectives can help you create more diverse and relatable characters.
- Avoid clichés: Exposure to new ideas can prevent you from falling into predictable storytelling patterns.
2. Refill Your Creative Well:
- Find inspiration: New experiences can spark fresh ideas and plotlines.
- Reduce burnout: Taking a break from your daily routine can help prevent creative burnout and improve your overall writing quality.
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August Workshop with John Tonsick CPA CFE
The Magic of Fighting Fraud
From 10:15 am until 12:15 pm
At Ponte Vedra Beach Library
101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
John Tonsick, CPA, CFE is a forensic accountant with more than 40 years of experience as a "Big 4" auditor, consultant, and Fortune 500 executive. He's published numerous articles on fraud and corporate governance. John is an author, speaker, and magician.
The Magic of Fighting Fraud is both entertaining and informative. The presentation is illustrated with magic and fascinating stories about real-life fraud. Participants will gain valuable insight into the nature and prevalence of fraud and become more aware of how to minimize its effects. This will be a hybrid meeting (personal attendance and Zoom speaker). Members, please pre-register to join this meeting.
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Workshop with Marcus Melnick
Marcus Melnick, Anti-Violence Specialist presents "How to Survive and Active Shooter Situation"
From 10:15 am until 12:15 pm
At Ponte Vedra Beach Library
101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Marcus Melnick, Anti-Violence Specialist presents "How to Survive and Active Shooter Situation" in-person/Zoom* at 10:15
Marcus Melnick is a Personal Safety Specialist and worked in Public Safety roles since 1988. In addition, he is the host of the radio program, The “Personal Safety Show,” and Marcus regularly equips people with the understanding and tools needed to respond to violence. Marcus holds multiple criminal justice degrees, has taught on the graduate level, and is a second generation inventor. After studying mass and interpersonal violence for decades, Marcus realized that the human stress response does not differentiate between real life-and-death danger and “administrative strain.” Administrative strain is what happens when people have an irrational fear (claustrophobia, public speaking, or even talking to a boss or possible date).
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Annual Workshop featuring guest speaker Denny Bryce
Annual Workshop featuring guest speaker Denny Bryce presenting "DOUBLE VISION: Crafting Dual-Timeline and Multi POV Storylines"
From 9:00 am until 4:00 pm
At San Marco Community Center
1435 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville FL 32207
Annual Workshop featuring guest speaker Denny Bryce presenting "DOUBLE VISION: Crafting Dual-Timeline and Multi POV Storylines" TICKETED EVENT
I write historical fiction. Each of my novels feature a cast of courageous, flawed, and sometimes dangerous female protagonists.
My books explore the African American and/or Black experience in well-researched stories that I am proud to share as one of the Black authors worldwide telling these stories.
A former public relations professional, I spent more than 20 years running my marketing and public relations firm. For nearly 10 of those years, however, I wrote and read Buffy/Spike fan fiction. I am a devoted fan of genre television, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and Angel (the TV series) fit the bill. These days, I am revisiting my love of classic film, jazz, and R&B (with a bit of hip-hop and rap thrown in because–why not?).
9:00 a.m. – Check-in (coffee provided) 9:30 a. m. Morning session: Denny Bryce presents Writing Dual Timeline and Multiple POV plots
12:30-1:30 p.m. – Catered lunch and networking opportunity: Creating Collaboration Circles
12:00-2:00 Professional Headshots available for an additional fee Gift Basket Raffles (must be present to win)
1:30-3:30 p.m. – Afternoon session: Copywriting for Book Promotion with Denny Bryce
3:30-4 p.m. – Book purchase and signing with onsite purchase available from San Marco Books
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Workshop With Jason Weiss - attorney
Jason Weiss - attorney - presents How People Commit Business Fraud
From 11:15 am until 12:15 pm
At Hybrid Meeting in Person and On Zoom
101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Jason Weiss, Attorney
The visionary founder and CEO of Ask Jason Weiss. After two decades in the legal field, Jason embarked on a remarkable journey that redefined his career and purpose. He’s not your typical lawyer; as he puts it, he's always been a “round peg in a square hole.” While many in the profession chase financial gain, Jason prioritizes client satisfaction and believes that money should never hinder helping those in need.
Through the power of social media, particularly Instagram, Jason has connected with countless attorneys seeking greater fulfillment in their careers. His podcast, "Ask Jason Weiss," available on major platforms like Apple and Spotify, serves as a guiding light for those feeling stuck in their legal paths. With a wealth of experience as a dealmaker and a compassionate mentor, Jason inspires others to explore alternative avenues that leverage their law degrees.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jason is a dedicated husband and father of two talented teenagers, fostering their entrepreneurial spirit as they launch their own online ventures. A proud alum of the University of Miami School of Law and the University of Florida, Jason is licensed in Florida and Washington, DC, and has served as a board member for Benefits Specialist Inc. His leadership journey includes roles as president of Leadership Coral Springs and as an adjunct professor in sports law. https://jswlawyer.com
Workshop: How People Commit Business Fraud
Fraud – An act by a person or a thing intended to deceive others. It’s a scary concept, but a favorite motive in crime fiction. Our next speaker, Jason Weiss, had practiced law for over two decades when he found himself searching for greater personal fulfillment, asking himself how he could reach beyond the conventional teachings of law school.
He discovered that his true passion lay in teaching, offering guidance, and acting as a mentor. Using social media, he shared his transformative story and became a magnet for attorneys who sought greater satisfaction from their own careers. Jason deftly guided them towards alternative business options that could leverage their law degrees.
Combining his legal and business intellect, Jason will educate us on the countless ways a criminal mind can conceive to deceive any of us. In today’s world of cybercrime, scams and schemes, we are all frighteningly vulnerable. Perpetrators are no longer as obvious as the old-time snake oil salesman.
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