Celebrating Those Who Serve

Jeri Eubanks and Holly Harris have gotten more rewards from giving than they can count on both hands.

For the friends, both 66, who are retired and have known each other since seventh grade, those rewards have come in the form of volunteering and preparing meals with other team members for families in need every Wednesday at the Bread of Life in Palatka.

Eubanks and Harris are being honored for their volunteer work and were named grand marshals for the 2023 Palatka Christmas Parade.

“The largest group we have served is around 150 people,” said Eubanks, who has been volunteering at Bread of Life for around four years. “I volunteered with them while still working and enjoyed being able to help others.”

Harris agreed.

“Jeri asked me to help her on Wednesday,” said Harris, who has been a regular fixture at the Bread of Life for about two and a half years. “I figured it would get me out of the house once a week, and I have enjoyed it. I’m glad to be healthy enough to help out.”

Eubanks and Harris will share their marshal duties with retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver of Eatonton, Ga.

He is the grand-nephew of the late Homer Rodeheaver, an American evangelist and music industry titan. Homer Rodeheaver founded Rainbow Ranch, later renamed Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Road, located about 13 miles South of Palatka.

“I am very excited about coming to Palatka,” Stewart Rodeheaver said. “Because of my Army career, I have been gone for many years. I would like to come back and see the ranch and, as part of my family heritage, see if there is anything I can do to help.”

The parade will start at 7 p.m. Nov. 24, and area groups, churches, clubs, families and businesses are encouraged to enter a float. This year’s parade route will proceed along St. Johns Avenue from Second Street to 11th Street.

“Jeri and Holly were chosen because of their service to the community through many years of service at the  Putnam County Courthouse and Palatka City Hall,” parade organizer Sam Deputy said. “These residents have had an impact on the city through their work and volunteer service to our community.”

Eubanks worked in Putnam County for 35 years, first for 12 years with the Clerk of Court Office and then for 23 years as a victim advocate with the State Attorney’s Office. Harris worked for the city of Palatka for 28 years.

Parade participants are encouraged to have their floats lit and play Christmas music.

No commercial advertising on floats will be allowed other than the name of the sponsor, and no political floats will be permitted.

The deadline for entries is Monday. For details, call Deputy at 386-983-4897 or visit Deputy’s Attic, 623 St. Johns Ave. in Palatka.

Downtown Palatka Experiences, Develop Palatka Inc., Visit Palatka and the Arts Council of Greater Palatka will present the Christmas Window Display Contest, where first-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded prizes. The contest is open to only downtown Palatka businesses. The entry deadline is Monday.

Winners will receive cash, radio spots over the span of a year on WDPI, a ribbon and a framed certificate.

For details or to sign up, text or call Linda Brent at 904-612-7326.

Winners will be notified, and their awards will be presented and put on display at their business.

As for the Palatka parade grand marshals, passing on their legacy of volunteering and helping others is important, and they are happy some of their family members have helped out at Bread of Life from time to time.

For Harris, it was her grandson during summer break and Eubanks her four grandchildren and mother, Betty Jean Bryan.

“During the summer, when they are out of school, they have had the opportunity to serve alongside our team,” Eubanks said. “All four of my grandchildren have helped prepare meals, serve the meals, make snack bags and help with cleanup. Having my family involved with serving has been even more rewarding.”

When Friday’s parade is over, it will be time again for Eubanks and Harris to get their aprons on and start making plans for one of their famous dishes, including shepherd’s pie or beef tips and noodles. Both dishes have become favorites for those who stop by the Bread of Life for lunch midweek.

“I love the (small-town) feel,” Harris said. “Our community seems to band together whenever necessary. To be chosen to be a parade grand marshal is an honor.”

Eubanks said she has always lived in Putnam County and is proud to call Palatka her hometown.

“I am honored to be the parade grand marshal,” she said. “It is humbling to know Holly and I were selected to represent Bread of Life in our hometown Christmas parade. I feel extremely humbled to be able to serve my hometown in another way.”

The Bread of Life, 320 N. Fifth St. in Palatka, serves a free hot lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

Eubanks said the annual Christmas parade has been a tradition for her family every year. The parade is a display of how much people in the community love each other and come together to bring each other joy.

“It is always fun to see the kids enjoying themselves at the parade,” she said. “We may be small, but we are big in heart. I love that when there is a need, our community shows up to help one another. Putnam always comes together in unity for our community.”