St. Johns Magazine August 2020 by St. Johns Magazine

THE PEOPLE ● THE PLACES ● THE LIFESTYLE

ST. JOHNS August 2020 Issue

magazine

BACK TO SCHOOL

www.stjohnsmag.com

GRAND OPENING A NEW Kumon Math and Reading Center is opening near you!

Preschool - High School Kumon’s individualized approach to learning helps children develop a solid foundation of math and reading. Through daily practice students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills.

To Learn More Schedule a Free Orientation Today!

OPENING IN AUGUST

480 Town Plaza Ave., Ste 140 Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 904-720-2800

Call/Email Today to Schedule a Placement Test!

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Nocatee

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Locally Owned & Designed with

August 2020 Publisher & Creative Director Debbie Gaylord debbie@stjohnsmag.com 904-687-8538 Photographer Mindy Kerr Nature's Child Photography Contributors Dr. Kathleen Deckard Tamara MacFarlane Bill Degrafft Kerri Napoleon, Diana Brummer St. Johns Magazine is dedicated to covering the topics readers care about - from hometown stories and community spotlighs to food, health & business. Published twelve times a year, St. Johns Magazine is designed to engage readers adn inspire them to enjoy the good life Northern St. Johns has to offer!

St. Johns Magazine is published monthly and distributed by US postal Service to select homes in Northern St. Johns. It is free of charge to consumers receiving it in the mail. It is also availalble at many drop points in Northern St. Johns and by subscription. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and published without responsibility for errors and ommissions. Printed by The Hartley Press, Jacksonville, FL

www.stjohnsmag.com 4

LOVE!

ST. Jmagazine OHNS Congratulations to Presley Baesler, of Ponte Vedra High School Student who was selected to the Ambassador Leadership Program by the National Society of High School Scholars. Presley is a role model to peers and was selected out of hundreds of applicants for demonstrating strong academic acheivement and community service.

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Academics

HELPING STUDENTS ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN THESE UNIQUE TIMES BY TAMARA MACFARLANE, OWNER & TEACHER, KUMON MATH AND READING CENTER, NOCATEE School supply shopping, comparing teacher assignments with friends, getting new clothes, shoes, bookbags, and more: This is what our back to school time used to look like for our kids. What a fun and exciting time it is! This year things are different. Parents have so much more to consider when it comes to their children’s academics and education. Which school option should I choose? Will my child be safe? What happens if a teacher and/or student gets the virus? These are just a few concerns floating in the heads of many. Although families are undoubtedly facing these uncertainties, it doesn’t mean any sacrifices should be made when it comes to education. I am honored to be opening a Kumon Math and Reading Learning Center in the Nocatee community. I truly feel like our children need Kumon more than ever with so many uncertainties in our world. For more than 60 years, Kumon’s after-school

academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. Kumon strives to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up, or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. Students advance through the program at their own pace. Kumon’s emphasis on individualized learning helps your child become focused, motivated and self-reliant. At Kumon, we monitor each child’s progress to ensure comprehension before moving on to a new concept. With a strong academic foundation, critical thinking and problemsolving abilities, your child has the potential to achieve whatever he or she desires. In a typical year, students can lose up to 2 months of math and reading skills during the summer months. Due to COVID-19, experts fear learning loss will be much steeper with

students losing 30% of reading and 50% of math. As an educator, this is frightening for so many reasons. It is not the child’s fault that after spring break, they did not go back to the classroom, nor is it their family’s fault. However, we all must work together in a partnership to do whatever it takes to get our Nocatee children caught up and ultimately beyond where they should be academically. Contact Kumon Math and Reading Learning Center at Nocatee for a free, no obligation placement test. After the placement test, you will be provided with valuable insights into where your children stand in their learning. From there, the Instructor will prepare an individualized lesson plan for your kids and support them as they progress through Kumon. Call us today or book your appointment online! https://www.kumon.com/pontevedra-at-nocatee/

What can 3D mammograms do for your peace of mind?

Breast imaging technique makes breast cancer easier to see and reduces false positives. 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) is approved by the FDA and is the standard of care for breast cancer screening. And it’s available at Baptist Medical Center South. 3D screening mammography is different from the traditional 2D mammograms: • 3D mammography makes it easier to see the layers of breast tissue, allowing for better cancer detection. • 2D mammograms take only one picture across the entire breast, in two directions: top to bottom and side to side. Unclear or suspicious findings from 2D views could increase the need for additional imaging and also lead to more false positives.

3D mammography is designed to overcome these limitations. The technology moves in an arc around the breast to take X-rays from many angles in seconds. A computer quickly assembles the pictures to produce clear, highly-focused 3D images. This allows the radiologist to view the entire breast, layer by layer, for a more accurate screening — especially important for anyone with dense breast tissue or patients with an increased risk of breast cancer. Ask your doctor to recommend a facility that offers 3D mammograms. Or simply contact Baptist South, now offering easy-to-schedule appointments for 3D screening mammograms.

SAME-DAY OR NEXT-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE Schedule online or by phone today: baptistjax.com/3dmammo • 904.202.2222 www.stjohnsmag.com

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Extracurricular

HOW MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING BENEFITS KIDS RETURNING TO SCHOOL BY BILL DEGRAFFT MASTER INSTRUCTOR PONTE VEDRA MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

here are a number of benefits that come from martial arts training, especially as children are getting ready to go back to school. Among those are perseverance, respect for self and others, appreciation of structure, improved confidence, and acceptance of responsibility. Martial artists tend to overcome obstacles, treat others the way they wish to be treated, and understand the importance of taking personal responsibility for their actions.

Perseverance

Martial arts students learn that there are good days and challenging days. The latter are not bad days, but rather involve one obstacle or another that students must work through to successful completion. No obstacle is too big for a dedicated martial artist and no achievement is gained without hard work, and yes, sometimes a student of martial arts (as well as a pupil in school) experiences failures along the way. Martial artists are taught to learn from their failures and grow, whereas others might be consumed by their perceived inadequacies and surrender.

Respect of Self and Others

The tradition of martial arts begins and ends with respect. Respecting each other on the mats leads to respecting others in school and on the playground. You learn that your opponent is not your enemy, for without your opponent you can never rise personally. Therefore, martial arts training allows you to discover more about yourself and the amazing connection between mind, body, and spirit. More importantly, you learn that finding and maintaining balance in

these three areas gives you better control on how you respond to the world around you, including how you react to other people who might seem at first to be roadblocks but are, in actuality, merely hurdles to jump over (or future friends to win over!). Martial artists also quickly grasp that tradition is important, and that we need to reflect on where we have been to see where we need to go.

Structure and Goal Setting

Martial arts training involves a good deal of practice and as each level is achieved students set new goals to reach so they can rise to the next stage of advancement. They also learn that regular practice yields continued improvement, that minor setbacks are temporary, and that the only people they need to compare themselves to are themselves.

Confidence

and their communities. They learn that doing their very best in class makes them feel good about themselves. This reward for hard work transitions to home in the way they contribute to the family through taking on chores willingly and by honoring their parents respectfully. It also extends to their communities, as martial artists tend to look for ways to give back. For example members of PVMAA regularly participate in “Giving Back” events where they contribute time and effort to local improvement efforts. Such as the charity kick-a-thon, food drive, and beach clean-up. To sum up, martial arts training improves any child’s mental outlook. Much like exercise in general, it activates endorphins that make participants feel better about themselves. Even when the lessons are hard, overcoming difficult challenges makes it easier to surmount obstacles in general, such as making new friends in a new school, or standing up for someone you don’t know who is being bullied. Martial artists are not bystanders, they are participants in life who live fully for themselves and for others.

Martial arts training builds confidence through overcoming challenges, not only in the dojang (the martial arts arena), but especially at school. Confident children also tend to be less targeted by bullies. Confident children are not easily influenced by others; they know who they are and who they want to be. They are a source of positive peer pressure, giving aid to others who are perhaps less *follow link for coupon code courageous. bit.ly/PVMAACOUPON

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et's be supportive of our back-to-schoolers. The brick and mortars, the distance-learners, the homeschoolers, and the virtual learners.

Returning to School During Covid-19

arents are currently facing one of the most difficult decisions of their parenting careers: how to safely return their children to school during a global health crisis.

Several options have been presented for the students of St. John’s County including returning to in-person school 5 days per week, distance learning through their home schools, or various homeschooling options, including virtual school programming. Each option brings both pros and cons as parents wrestle with making the best possible decision for their family.

A FEW POINTS TO CONSIDER WHILE NAVIGATING THIS DIFFICULT TIME: THE "RIGHT ANSWER" DOES NOT EXIST. Because we are still

so early in this pandemic, data does not exist which can provide concrete guidance as to the outcome of our current choices. We do know that strong opinions exist on all sides and that it is impossible to determine what the "right" or "wrong" answer may ultimately be. Let's recognize that everyone is doing their best with the information we have. We harm each other by being critical and judgemental of each other's choices. We protect each other and our relationships when we remain respectful and supportive of each other, even when someone holds a belief or makes a choice that doesn't align with our own.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL SAFETY IS KEY. As

explained by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, before we can achieve higher levels of functioning, first our basic needs for safety and survival must be met. Parents, educators, and our community at large can reinforce a commitment to basic safety by promoting and modeling the behaviors suggested by health guidelines. I urge you to approach the health guidelines not as an inconvenience or personal burden, but as a choice you are

BY DIANA BRUMMER, MSW, LCSW GOODMENTALHEALTHLLC.COM deliberately making to keep yourself and our community safe. Mask wearing and social distancing are visual cues that we care for each other and for ourselves. Our courteous behavior allows those around us to feel safe physically, mentally, and emotionally so that we can focus on higher-level functioning such as learning. As parents model these courteous behaviors for our children, our children will be more likely to imitate those behaviors themselves, even when they are away from us at school.

EACH CHILD IS DIFFERENT, AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ARE DIFFERENT. What may be appropriate and necessary

for one child to be successful could be the exact opposite for a different child. Consider your child’s learning style, their level of adaptability and tolerance for change, and their overall level of anxiety. A child who thrives on social interaction may struggle on distance learning, while a child who experiences anxiety in the midst of change may struggle in the current school environment. The more confident we are as parents, and the more kind and compassionate we are to ourselves and others will set the stage for how our children interact with each other. Let's be supportive of our back-to-schoolers. The brick and mortars, the distance-learners, the homeschoolers, and the virtual learners. Let's also be kind and supportive of each other because human beings were built with resiliency. We can do hard things, especially when we do it together. Good Mental Health, LLC is a counseling and coaching practice located in St. Johns, Florida, offering individual, couple, and family counseling. With sessions available face-to-face and online, we hope to provide the tools and skills necessary to heal past wounds, grow healthy relationships, and build strong families. For more information, read more about us at GoodMentalHealthLLC.com.

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DIRECTIONS

Back to School Healthy Lunch IDEAS

by Kerri Napoleon,

Registered Dietician, First Coast YMCA

earning healthy habits at a young age can reap lifelong benefits. And sometimes, it can seem that eating healthy is a nearly impossible task in today’s world. We’ve all felt the uncertainties that this back-to-school season brings, but whether your child plans to head back into the classroom or back upstairs to learn at the computer, these easy tips can help keep the mid-afternoon slump at bay.

Aim for Five Every Day

Fruits and veggies should be part of every meal. Make trying new things for your child fun by introducing interesting shapes, textures and colors into their lunch time meal.

Choosing Drinks with Care

A simple way to improve your child’s health is to simply drink more water! Try cutting out drinks with added sugar during the afternoon and focus on adding water, 100%

fruit juice or low-fat milk as a replacement to those sugary sodas.

CHECK THE LABEL

Choosing healthier options begins with reading the nutrition labels. Swapping processed potato chips with sweet potato chips or apple chips offers higher nutrient content with fewer calories, while still satisfying that crunch! Controlled Portions Our tendency when we serve food is to fill the plate (or pack the lunch box!), which often leads to larger portion sizes than our child actually needs. Being careful to serve food portions that are aligned with their energy needs throughout the day is one way to help them develop healthier habits. To get started on putting these nutrition guidelines to use, try making these lunchtime meals your child is sure to enjoy!

Cut bread, turkey/ham slices, cheese, lettuce into 1-2 inch bite size pieces Using skewer, assemble “sandwich” in this order: bread, lettuce, turkey, ham, cheese, bread Repeat on two skewers

Power Smash Would also make a great, energy-boosting snack! INGREDIENTS

Red or green apple Natural peanut butter Raisins Granola

DIRECTIONS

Core apple Slice horizontally in ½ inch sections Spread peanut butter on two slices Top one slice with raisins and the other with granola Push together like a sandwich Using a very sharp knife and without smashing, cut in half

If you’re looking for additional resources to keep your family healthy while getting back into routine, the First Coast YMCA offers year-round resources and guidance on nutrition and wellness services to St. Johns County families. With four St. Johns County YMCAs at the Ponte Vedra YMCA, St. Augustine YMCA, YMCA at Flagler Health Village and Flagler Center YMCA and one on the way in Nocatee, there is a place for you at the Y. Go to fcymca.org to find the location nearest you.

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A Message From The Vet

OWNING POCKET PETS & EXOTICS

by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING ONE FOR YOUR CHILD

ake a walk through any commercial pet store, and you will see many types of pocket pets and reptiles for sale. They are hard to resist, and lots of young children find them fun and alluring! Pocket Pets (rabbits, rats, mice, guinea pigs, gerbils, chinchillas, etc.) and reptiles/amphibians can make wonderful pets for the right people. However, don’t be fooled by their small size, these animals require just as much commitment and care as a dog or cat does, sometimes even more so. First, consider the level of commitment involved in owning these pets. Many of them have a much shorter lifespan than cats and dogs. For instance, most rodents like rats, mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs typically live less than 5 years. Rabbits, ferrets and chinchillas can live longer- about 10 years or sometimes more. Reptiles can be extremely long-lived, 20 years or more, with proper husbandry. Consider what your child is emotionally and physically able to provide, as well as your level of involvement in the pet’s care. Caring for these animals should never be the child’s job alone. Pocket pets need all the basics of larger pets: food, water, clean housing, grooming, and interaction. In addition to that, some small mammals and all reptiles/amphibians need specialized enclosure substrates, heat, light, and humidity sources. Be sure to do extensive research before bringing them into your home. Most of the pet stores that sell these animals will provide you with basics, but not with all the information needed for proper care. The internet does have some good resources for husbandry, as does your veterinarian who can help educate you and point you in the right direction if you have questions. Some of these pets need to be spayed or neutered, and require regular vaccines or veterinary care throughout their lives. Reptiles and amphibians can be exceptionally challenging to provide proper care. Their environments and diets are very specialized, and you should definitely seek the advice of a veterinarian when

considering one of these pets. They can suffer from a debilitating and life-threatening disease called metabolic bone disease if all their specific needs are not perfectly met. Some other things to consider before bringing home a pocket pet is the lifestyle of the animal itself. For instance, some rodents are nocturnal; they will sleep all day and spend the entirety of the night digging, running on their wheel, and making other noise that may keep your child from sleeping. Some of these pets are not very social- as prey animals their first instinct is to hide, so it may take time to get them to a point where they like to be handled, and some may never acclimate to it. Even worse, they may bite as a means of defense. Certain substrates that are required for their habitats like hay and cedar can bring potential concerns for people who have allergies, so take great care in choosing a pet that will not trigger them. All pocket pets have mental enrichment needs, and it can be really fun finding toys and puzzles for them that will keep them busy and their minds challenged. There are plenty of toys on the market that provide them with mental stimulation. Reptiles and amphibians aren’t usually the most active of pets, but many of them learn to tolerate being handled and can enjoy playing with toys, walking on a leash, and even swimming in a kiddie pool at times! Pocket pets and exotics can be very rewarding for a child to own. They can teach them responsibility, compassion, and can help them develop a respect and love for animals that they carry into adulthood. No matter which pocket pet you choose, check in with your veterinarian for help with the pros and cons, to give your child and their new pet the best chance of a successful and happy relationship!

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