St johns mag december 2015 optimized

DECEMBER 2015

Local Business

Local People

Local Events

ST.JOHNS MAGAZINE

Celebrate Small Business Every Day

Merry Christmas St. Johns!

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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May Your Season be BRIGHT!

photo by Michelle Williams

December 2015 Dear Reader,

This December Holiday issue is dedicated to the small business owners of St. Johns & the First Coast.

Together with Shop Small Jacksonville, Mastercraft Builder Group and

Driftwood Printing, St. Johns Magazine organized the 1st Small Business Saturday Passport Event for our community. We hope you keep the momentum going throughout the holidays and beyond as you visit a locally owned Bagel Shops, like Bite a Bagel for your morning coffee or the boutique around the corner, like Social Grade to find the perfect gifts for your Christmas list. Your support means success for them and our local economy. We appreciate local business and how our local cultural landscape and community is enhanced by their presence.

So here is to the independent creative spirit and courage that allowed you

to set out on your own and build your dreams, the dedication it took to keep it going, and the learning curve, challenges, triumphs and sometimes fears you experienced along the way. It is part of the journey.

Happy Holidays!

Debbie Gaylord Publisher, St. Johns Magazine

904-687-8538 debbie@stjohnsmag.com All rights reserved Š2015 St. Johns Magazine LLC. Printed by The Hartley Press, Jacksonvile: Published monthly and distributed by US Postal Service.

In print and on the web and distributed free of charge to consumers.

Debbie Gaylord - Publisher & Darren Rosenbaum - Editor Contributors: Jennifer Yarborough, Jennifer Logue, Dr. Peter Veling, Xiomara Spadafora, Casey Chin WWW.STJOHNSMAG.COM

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Holiday Spirit

by Darren Rosenbaum

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Every time I’m in St. Augustine, I travel through time.

Whether I’m visiting the Castillo, walking by the Bridge of Lions, the Government House or a Flagler hotel, every corner of the ‘Ancient City’ seems alive with history. I didn’t think it could get any better than that until I met Philip McDaniel, co-founder and CEO of the St. Augustine Distillery since it opened for business in 2014. Located about ¼ mile south of the intersection of King and Riberia Streets, the St. Augustine Distillery has become ‘the’ favorite place for visitors near and far, even ranking #1 on TripAdvisor.com!

As a business, destination and museum, a visit to the St. Augustine Distillery is certainly memorable. Upon arrival, guests are asked if they’d like to be part of the tour, which begins at the museum. In a nod to history, each guest stamps their own time card as if they were laborers clocking in for a shift early in the 20th century! As you enter, prepare to be surrounded by local history with a contemporary, eco-friendly twist. Lining the walls are pictures of the Distillery circa 1917, as a plant that produced 300 lb. ice blocks from ‘brine water’ for delivery to local eateries and Flagler’s hotels!

As you walk the room, it’s hard not to gaze at the period memorabilia filling the glass topped display cases. Explanations of the distilling process abound as well. Whether it’s the importance of ‘head, heart and tail’, how humidity plays a role in ‘seasoning’ the barrel’s oak staves or how sugar, yeast, nutrients and other variables play a critical role in fermenting and distilling fine spirits, learning has never been so enjoyable!

Just before the tour heads into the production area, focus your attention on the south wall. That’s where you’ll see numerous sign boards detailing the role the St. Augustine Distillery plays in the local economy. While Philip believes the St. Augustine Distillery will be the Southeast’s premier distiller within 18 months, that kind of expansion doesn’t worry him. ‘As we grow, we will work with our farming partners, vendors, environmental engineers to solve whatever challenges we face.’ That said, he’s justifiably proud of the local crops used in the distillation process. Not only does it create and sustain local jobs and job growth, but by ‘recycling dollars’ through the purchase of locally made products, ‘the revenues and proceeds remain in the local economy’. This promotes an eco-friendly footprint as ‘locally made products require less transportation’ and ‘helps keep our little piece of the world just a bit cleaner and greener’. In fact, almost nothing in the distillation process goes to waste as even the spent grains from the mashing process are available to local farmers as feed for cattle.

As we entered the production area, Philip explained how grains, sugar cane and other raw materials are transformed into rum, gin, vodka and whisky. Along with

some trial and error, distilling spirits involves mashing, boiling, reading hydrometers, condensing and separating product from ‘co-product’, in other words, chemistry. In fact, as Philip discussed formulas, percentages and proof, I felt like I was back in 11th grade, struggling to keep up in Chemistry class! His interest and knowledge seemed infinite but even he admitted it was complicated and requires the employ of an experienced head distiller. For me though, standing next to the beautiful copper Vendome stills, one a 750 gallon pot still for mashing and the other a 500 gallon spirit still for bourbon, rum and vodka, made my day. Nearly 20 ft. tall, these industrial works of art were custom built for the Distillery and, at full production, allow for bottling up to 120 cases per day!

It’s after distillation that certain variables play a role in how a fine bourbon or rum will taste. According to Philip, the type of oak used, the amount of charring and even the size of the barrel account for up to ’60-70% of the taste of a whisky’. Currently, the Distillery has ‘batch’ produced four distinct rums as part of their Discovery Series and is nearly done aging their first batch of whisky, which should be ready summer or fall of 2016.

It’s clear that the ‘Ancient City’ has another gem to add to its list of wonders.

Not only have Philip McDaniel and the staff at the St. Augustine Distillery transformed a forgotten part of town, they have created a thriving business with a great future. Stop by soon to see history come alive.

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Simple Acts: Big Rewards

The Caden Project Sometimes the simplest things are the most powerful. Such is the case of The Caden Project. In the spirit of the holiday season we would like to introduce you to this wonderful local non-profit organization that helps sick kids with the gift of a teddy bear with a Q/A with CEO Christina Wood.

What is the Caden Project?

The Caden Project is a non-profit organization under the name Compassionate Hearts For Kids. We have two boys that were born with genetic immune disorders and both had to go through bone marrow transplants in order to survive. Living in and out of the hospital for months on end, we began to have a deep compassion for these kids and families. We knew one day we wanted to do something for these kids to show some compassion and love to them. To show them that somebody cared. But at the time, we didn’t know what that was.

Why did you start it? Is Caden involved today? What does he think about all this?

It all started with a bear. When our second son, Caden, went through his bone marrow transplant in November of 2013 here in Jacksonville at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, he was given a build-a-bear by a close family friend. We saw the comfort it brought him during his sickest moments. It was able to distract him from how he was feeling. It gave him a friend.

It then became our mission to put a smile on a child’s face by providing as many bears as we could to sick and injured kids. And it’s not just the kids that receive comfort from the bears, the parents do too. Our long term goal is to deliver to every hospital in the country.

We have a great team of people that have come around us as volunteers to help in the day to day aspect of helping this project grow. Caden just turned 3 years old and is still too young to really understand the magnitude of everything. As he gets older he will definitely be more involved.

Who benefits the most from the Caden project and how?

The kids and families receiving the bears obviously benefit from being the recipient of the gift but to be honest those of us actually delivering the bears to these kids benefit just as much with the pure joy of seeing a child light up after giving them a bear. It’s priceless!

Who are a few of the recipients that have been the most remarkable?

was one of our first deliveries over a year ago when we gave a firefighter bear to a little boy named Ryan who was at Brooks Rehab here in Jacksonville. He had sustained a brain injury and at the time was not able to talk to us. When we gave him his bear, he held it close to his face and started kissing it. We received an e-mail from the mom about 6 months later saying that Ryan had made a full recovery and how that bear was an integral part of his recovery. They also had a group of friends and family go to the build-a-bear store where they live and made bears and donated them to us! It was so great to see kids helping other kids especially after being a recipient of a bear himself and then turning around and paying it forward. That’s what it’s all about. Paying it forward and showing others that people do care.

If local people want to get involved what is the process?

We have a huge vision to take The Caden Project nationwide next year. Our biggest need right now is donations so we can buy more bears and reach more kids. People can donate through our website at www. thecadenproject.org and all donations are tax deductible.

Licensed We also have a Facebook page Massage that people can “Like” and share Therapist www.facebook.com/thecaden...Every BODY needs project. We love for people to a different massage come and delivery bears with Therapeutic Massage us as well. We deliver on a Thai Massage monthly basis to Brooks Rehab and UF Health. They can e-mail 904-274-1584 thecadenproject@icloud.com located near San Jose & 295 at for more information about de3000 Hartley Road #11 Jacksonville livering bears.

One of our most memorable experiences

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Make the Season Bright!

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NICK CROUCH

YOUNG ENTREPRENUER OF THE YEAR

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Nick Crouch is the owner of seven local Tropical Smoothie Cafes in northern St. Johns, Jacksonville and Clay.

At thirty years old, this successful, confident and energetic young man seems to have life figured out.

As we sat down at a table at the Tropical Smoothie Café on Southside, a team of employees were just finishing up a big catering job for a wellness day at a local company for over 2900 smoothies. Nick was up at 3am, working alongside the rest of the staff to ensure the quality and efficiency of the operation. This was a typical day for the young entrepreneur who shares his time among seven cafes as well as his corporate offices.

His management style is built on inclusion and respect; it is important for Nick to let his staff know that he is one of them. It was notable that he paid for our lunch himself rather than comping it, and knew each employee we spoke with by name, even though he has 130 employees. He wants his staff to know he is no different from them.

“It’s about teamwork and less about me,” he said. He holds monthly meetings with managers where everyone has a voice. He prefers to promote from within, which is also part of his philosophy and success.

Growing his business from a single café to seven in less than five years is quite an amazing feat. He was drawn to the Tropical Smoothie concept for many reasons. He had the foresight to embrace the current health food craze as well as TSC’s modern approach but most significantly, it was a proven system. Nick is not interested in inventing ideas but in innovating. He is passionate about putting his energy into making each Tropical Smoothie the best it can be. He is constantly trying to make the experience better for customers from the quality of the food to the way the staff greets you when you walk in the door.

Nick’s passion for his work is clear as he describes his overall plan for 2016 & 2017 with the acquisition of yet another Tropical Smoothie Café and perhaps a second venture.

Not long before I sat down to chat with Nick, he and his wife became parents for the first time. The excitement in his voice was palpable as he showed photos of a beautiful baby girl. His life was changing and I asked him how he would balance family and work with a child to consider.

“Now that I have someone else to take care of I want to work harder so she has a great life. Balancing it all is not always easy but for the first time in my life, I can’t wait to get home after a long day of work, just so I can see her. Plus, I can do my work from home when necessary”. As with any entrepreneur the work is there for fine tuning any time of the day or night 24/7.

Nick likes to look at the big picture and when asked about his plans for the future he gets a faraway look in his eyes and says he would like to have 20-25 locations locally and also as far as southern Georgia up through Savannah within the next five years.

It is an ambitious plan but with 6 already in development, he has a vision and if anyone can make it happen it would be this young entrepreneur who is helping our local economy thrive.

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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Senior Living Tips

Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors

By Jennifer Logue, Firstlight Home Care, Palencia

It’s a common problem that adult children face each year around the holidays: What to get the parents who over the years have received just about every gift imaginable?

Instead of buying yet another sweater or bathrobe, creative gift-givers may want to consider some helpful and practical gifts for their senior loved ones. Here are just a few possible options to add your holiday gift list:

Groceries: Seniors on a fixed income might appreciate a gift card for their local

home. FirstLight HomeCare offers gift certificates for in-home care in any amount, enabling the recipient to determine exactly what type and level of in-home assistance would be most helpful for them.

Jennifer Logue is the owner of FirstLight HomeCare, a non-medical home care company serving residents of St. Johns and Duval counties. For more information, call (904) 770-3220 or visit http://www.firstlighthomecare.com.

grocery store. Likewise, gift cards or certificates for dry cleaners or other local services make helpful stocking stuffers.

Adapted kitchen supplies: As seniors age, arthritis and other conditions can make it difficult to use common household items such as can openers and utensils. Websites such as www.arthritissupplies.com offer a wide range of adapted bowls, glasses, utensils and other kitchen gadgets specifically designed for use by aging hands.

Assistive technology: Is Dad starting to have trouble hearing his favorite television programs? A pair of wireless TV headphones will enable him to watch – and hear – his favorite shows with ease without having to turn up the volume to levels that may be uncomfortable for other family members. Magnifying glasses and largebutton telephones also make nice gifts.

Games: Crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and other games stimulate the mind and help keep seniors engaged.

Music: A CD by Mom or Dad’s favorite artist is a wonderful way to acknowledge and support their hobbies and interests. What’s more, studies have shown that seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia often respond to a favorite song – offering a wonderful way for family members to connect with their loved one.

Help at home: Gift certificates for in-home care can be a boon to seniors in need of a little extra help. From making the meals and doing the housekeeping to providing transportation and assistance with bathing and dressing, in-home caregivers offer the help seniors need to maintain their independence and stay in their own

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DURBIN COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Frank Molimock Jr. & Frank Molimock Sr.

Charlotte Scott

Durbin Community Connections

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Judith Fox-Goldstein

Paws & Claws Pet Sitting

The definition of family has certainly evolved over the past decades and, more often than not, today’s

Diagnosis, Analyze, Treatment and Maintefamily unit includes a beloved pet. Charlotte Scott, owner nance are the operative words of the POOL-DOCTORS! of Paws and Claws Pet Sitting has always been passionate Built on family values, this Father and Son duo have a about pets and, in 2007, Charlotte left corporate America deep work ethic and committment to service that allows to begin her own business of caring for animals in their them to provide superior service to pool owners in St. home.

Johns, St. Augustine and the surrounding areas.

If you work, travel or take vacations, and

Frank Sr. and Frank Jr. believe that developing you own a pet, your plans are often in jeopardy because lasting relationships with their clients is a priority. “We you don’t want leave your beloved dog, cat, bird, rabbit become part your family’s routine as we service your pool or farm animals alone. Using a professional Pet Sitting on a weekly basis ensuring the highest level of health, Service definitely reaps benefits for both pets and their owners. Rather than disrupting your pet’s environment cleanliness and functionality of their pool.” (Frank Jr.)

AC Pool Doctors brings education, science, en- Charlotte, and her experienced, licensed, insured and gineering and experience to their profession. Poor water knowledgeable staff, come into your home and allow your pets to follow their regular routine, diet and even exercise chemistry or malfunctioning equipment can lead to major program. problems like stains, algae and damage to your pool’s sur With an initial FREE consultation and a “personalface and grout. "Our goal is to protect your pool against ized pet plan”, all your pet’s needs are met including medical aging with regular maintenance." (Frank Sr.) maintenance (if required) and much needed playtime, love and

Dependable and great problem solvers, the attention. For loved ones, your fears are diminished because you “DOCS” customers are very satisfied with the consistency know your pet is being cared for with love by professionals. The of their service. They turn “GREEN INTO CLEAN, save their trauma of travel is eliminated and you can have “peace of mind” client’s money, and bring their pools back into perfect because your professional Pet Sitter can also handle other ascondition. Contact the “Docs” at E-mail ACPoolDoctors@ pects of your pet’s care including vet visits and emergencies. gmail.com, Phone: 904-654-3902 or visit: http://www. Paws and Claws Pet Sitting is the perfect solution! While the options of friends and family members exist, the services of acpooldoctors.com professional Pet Sitters offer wonderful alternatives.

Paws and Claws Pet Sitting will care for your pets like they were their own! For Grow Your Local business more information call: 904-635-5396, email: cscott1229@ Meetings are held weekly bellsouth.

Thursdays at 8:45am, A Networking Group Durbin Crossing South Amenity Center com or visit: 145 S Durbin Pkwy, St Johns, FL 32259 for Business Owners within the Greater http://paws-nDurbin Area VISITORS WELCOME clawspetsitting. com. www.durbincommunityconnections.org

Ancient City Pool Doctors

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

by Judith Fox-Goldstein

Word-by-Word

Judith Fox-Goldstein is a writer and the owner of Word-by-Word, specializing in resumes, content development for websites and professional portfolios. As a transplant from the Big Island of Hawaii, Judith is passionate about discovering the “mo’olelo or “stories” of the people and places of St. Johns.

Living in Hawaii, sounds more like a wish than a reality, but for Judith, having lived the “life of Aloha,” surrounded by exquisite natural beauty and unique cultural diversity, she developed a distinctive view of the world which is filtered through an inimitable lens.

“Writing is a very compelling art form. Narratives have been shared in every culture as a means of preserving the past, honoring traditions, and instilling a sense of continuity for future generations. Writing captures stories that should never be forgotten!”

An Athena Recipient (Business Woman of the Year), President of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Hospice of Hilo and the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women, Judith’s broad experiences add to her ability to discover the essence in every feature she writes. As an Administrator with the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Judith mentored a broad demographic of students and professionals entering the job market or changing careers.

Now, as a Consultant, Judith helps people reframe their resume profiles, professionalize cover letters and move up to the interview level in the search of their dream job! “You paint a picture with your words and you want to ensure the possible pose and frame!”

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Photos of Nease PTO Ladies Night Out at Palencia

December Calendar

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TPC Sawgrass Tour of Trees.

For more info please call (904) 543-5105, or visit TPC Sawgrass. The tour is a self-guided experience through the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. Attendees will be able to see all of the beautifully decorated rooms at the clubhouse.

Candy Cane Making Classes Sweet Pete’s Design candy canes for your Christmas tree! Watch Sweet Pete’s expert candy makers turn 400 degree sugar into hard candy filled with colorful stripes. $15.00 per person - includes a one scoop ice cream View our calendar to book a class. Reservations required.www.sweetpetescandy.com St. Augustine Night of Lights This award-winning holiday lights display runs from November 21, 2015, to January 31, 2016 in historic St. Augustine. During Nights of Lights, businesses downtown stay open later, letting you dine in view of the lights and shop amongst the lit buildings. The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours that take you through the best areas of Nights of Lights, and there are also a variety of specialty tours !

St. Augustine Amphitheatre A December to Remember Line Up Two major concerts at the Amphitheatre that will be free and open to the public -- The Blind Boys of Alabama on November 29 and country superstar Clint Black on December 5, 2015. The holiday classic movies that will be offered this

year include "Elf," "The Muppet Christmas Carol," and "A Christmas Story." Most events are free, but a few are ticketed. The highlights of the ticketed events this year are two performances of Handel's Christmas Messiah, Matisyahu's Festival of Light, and Leon Russell Live in Concert, all at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. www.staugamphitheatre.com December 1 – January 10th Jacksonville WinterFEST 2015.

We are open for holiday chills & thrills during the Winter.

WinterFEST is open on select days during select times, so be sure to check our calendar for more details. Also, certain activities and attractions are only available on a select basis and are subject to change. Santa is at the park on select days and times, so check our detailed schedule to ensure you will see him on your visit! http://www.jaxwinterfest. com/ December 4th First Friday Art Walk St. Augustine Browse the latest art exhibits and enjoy refreshments and live entertainment at some 30 participating galleries. Amiro Art and Design will showcase new works by seven artists: Jim Macbeth's original "scenography" and cast fossil wall pieces; Nancy Hamlin-Vogler's drawings incorporating pastels, acrylics, matte medium and gesso; Deane Kellogg's whimsical use of found objects; Matthew Bennett's pencil drawings, paintings and photographs inspired by time spent in Japan; raku sculptor Estella Fransbergen's latest pieces; metalsmith Gabrielle Gould's elegant works in oxidized silver, incorporating enamel and feather detail; and Trasea Womack's flame-worked glass jewelry and ornaments.

1. Jen Shannon Photography 2. Cathy Ritter, Donna Mancini, Paula Young, 3. Carla Luigs & family, (Hines) 4. PTO Leaders Jennifer Jenkins, Bambi Deitch, Tamy Curly, Kris Boynton, Donna Scheiner

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December 5th St. Augustine Winter Spectacular Experience the newest holiday production from The Dance Company in the nation's oldest city! A family friendly holiday production filled with high kick dancers, ballerinas, acrobats, and actors amidst dazzling costuming and props. Two performances at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are sold online in advance for assigned seats ($15-20), and at the door if available ($20-25). 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904471-4946 www.StAugustineWinterSpectacular.com December 12th Regatta of Lights Annual holiday parade of motorized vessels – sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats and many other vessels all-a-glitter with brilliant lighted displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical. Awards will be made for the best theme, most colorful, best in class and best overall. Beginning at 6 p.m., the boats will light up St. Augustine's Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. The Regatta of Lights is hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. 904-824-9725 www.staugustineyachtclub.com Christmas at Castillo This annual holiday event offers visitors free admission to the Castillo de San Marcos from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Guests can experience the Castillo after dark and meet a variety of historic military personnel portrayed by park rangers and volunteers. These re-enactors bring to life the soldiers, sailors, marines and civilians who have served within the Castillo walls throughout its long history from the 16th through the 20th centuries. The event will open with a three-gun cannon firing, and additional cannon demonstrations will take place during the evening. 1 South Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www.nps.gov/casa Chili and a Movie at the Amphitheatre Create a memorable family holiday celebration at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with the best local chili cooked up by the St. Augustine Fire Department -- and enjoy a movie double feature -- "The Muppet Christmas Carol" at 6 p.m. and "Christmas Vacation" at 7:45 p.m. Plus the family can enjoy a snowfall, visit with Santa, wander the Elf Village, visit the Bounce House and take a train ride! It's all free. Gates open at 2 p.m. Presented by Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. 1340 C, A1A South, St. Augustine www.staugustineamphitheatre.com

Breakfast with Santa at TPC Sawgrass Bring the children to visit Santa Claus as he visit is all the way from the North Pole! This special family event is from 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM and includes a delicious brunch, Tickets are $49.00++ for adults and $18.00 for kids 6-12 yrs. 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-543-5105 http://www.tpc.com/sawgrassevents December 19th & 20th The Nutcracker The St. Augustine Ballet presents their seventh annual production of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Saint Augustine Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a magical show that features mischievous mice, dancing dolls, sparkling snowflakes, elegant costumes, custom-designed scenery, and skillful athletic dancing that will charm the entire family. Arionel Vargas, former Principal dancer with English National Ballet and international dance film star, will partner with Marize Fumero, former dancer with the English National Ballet and member of Milwaukee Ballet, to perform the principal roles of Cavalier and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Performance times are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are $30 each ($25 for seniors over 65 and children under 12). Audience members are encouraged to bring a canned good with them to help fill the pantry at St. Francis House. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. 855-222-2849 www.saintaugustineballet.com December 31st Beach Blast Off Kick off 2016 in seaside style at this special St. Augustine Beach event! Voted the Best Family New Year's Event in Florida, Beach Blast Off features great food, lots of live music, ice sculptures, an exciting Kids' Zone - and fireworks! The event is 5-10 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. a huge fireworks show ushers in the New Year!

Admission is free. Free parking and shuttle service available. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach.

904-669-5670 www.beachblastoff.com.

Danzar, Stacie Hernandez at PFAA, Dottie at Stop for Pilates & Beth Fines at Palencia Business Center with PTO Leaders,

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A Message From the Audiologist

by Rosann W. Faull, Au.D, CCC-A Board Certified Doctor of Audiology www.drfaull.com

IT’S THE HOLIDAYS!!! It‘s that time of year again. Each year at this time families and friends come together for food, fun and conversations. Here it is again, or I should say “hear” it is again. That’s right, now is the time to hear the sounds of the season.

You know who I’m talking about. Our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and even children who struggle to hear. People who are always saying ‘pardon me’, ‘what was that’ or worse yet, they sit quietly and do not join the conversations. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Better Hearing Institute only 25% of the populations who need help hearing get that help.

Getting hearing help does not have to be a scary thing, if done smartly. Remember hearing is one of our 5 senses and hearing should be assessed by a professional who recognizes hearing as a health concern first. Audiologists are

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the health care professionals with a Doctorate in Hearing Loss and Its treatment.

Often the only help for hearing loss is a hearing aid.

Hearing aids have come a long way. Today’s hearing aids are electronic digital, high tech marvels. Their automatic volume control, directional microphones, noise reduction and connectivity circuits are the leading edge of technology. The key to being happy with hearing aids is finding the professional who can match this technology with your hearing needs.

If you or someone you know is struggling to hear, start with a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Learn if there is a problem and what can be done to help. Better hearing is guided by science and delivered by experience.

Enjoy the holiday conversations. Hear every whispered Christmas wish.

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Eat Your Worries?

by David Wolf, The Good Deed Brigade

All people including children have worries in life.

How in the world can being or gifting a Worry Eater be a good thing? What is a Worry Eater? There is actually a toy on the market called a Worry Eater. It is both simple and brilliant.

A Worry Eater toy is a stuffed animal with a mouth (pouch) that can be opened and closed with a zipper. The idea with a Worry Eater is to write down a worry on a piece of paper and put the piece of paper in the Worry Eater's mouth. Wouldn't it be wonderful if a Worry Eater could take in your worries and get rid of them? In a way, a Worry Eater does this very thing.

A Worry Eater is a children's toy but the concept behind the Worry Eater can be used by people of all ages.

It can be quite freeing for a person to discuss worries with a friend, relative, neighbor, teacher, mentor, etc. . . .

This is the first step of a journey in many instances to getting a person beyond and above his or her worries. You see being or giving a Worry Eater can be a good deed in many respects.

Have you been stressed out about something and a friend or relative came to your rescue by helping you cope with your worries? Who have been Worry Eaters in your life?

Have you been a Worry Eater for your friends, relatives, children, and others? How about being a Worry Eater for a total stranger?

Many people by virtue of the profession or occupation serve as Worry Eaters on a daily basis. These people include but certainly are not limited to our clergy, doctors, counselors / therapists, nurses, attorneys, teachers, coaches, servicemen, police, fire rescue personnel, etc . . . This list can go on and on.

Back to our friend - the Worry Eater toy. A person can write a worry down on a piece of paper and put the worry in the mouth of the monster. Reassuring and encouraging notes can also be placed in the mouth of the Worry Eater giving words of advice and support.

Michelle Clendening owns and operates the 2 Teach Store located in St. Johns County, Florida. This wonderful store carries a wide variety of educational prod-

ucts and Toys including, you guessed it right, Worry Eaters! Hooray for Michelle Clendening for having the vision and insight to carry such an awesome product. Here is a link to the website for the 2 Teach Store which is located at 2220 County Road 210 West, Suite 102, St. Augustine, Florida 32092 (904) 476-6831. You can purchase a Worry Eater in the store or order one online.

The 2 Teach Store will donate a portion of each sale to the Betty Griffin House which offers protection and quality services for victims of Domestic Violence and their minor children and/or victims of Sexual Assault and their families of St. Johns County, Florida, through operation of a shelter offering assistance, counseling, and transitional support.

Now that you know more about the concept, simplicity, and brilliance of the Worry Eater, go forth and be or gift out a Worry Eater.

If you have a story to share about your good deeds or the good deeds of others in the community, please e-mail us at GoodDeedBrigade@gmail.com or visit our Contact Us Page on the Official Website for the Good Deed Brigade.

Worry Eaters are available in large and small sizes in a variety of characters.

1. Write down your worries and fears.

2. Feed them to me - I'll hold them for you.

3. We'll get through this together!

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Throw the perfect Christmas Dinner

with advice from my Southern Grammy

by Jennifer Andreu Yarbrough My grandmother, Mrs. Rita “Wynette” Andreu or simply “Grammy,” was quite the Holiday Hostess. From the moment we entered her house on Christmas Eve to the moment we left everything was perfect. Here are a few things that I learned from my Southern Grammy about how to make Christmas special.

Start with ambiance — I will always remember the smell of Grammy’s perfume intermingled with smells from a fire in the hearth, a fresh Christmas tree, and delicious food baking. If you have a fireplace, use it! The smell of a fire, even in balmy Florida, creates ambiance. Buy a fresh, cut tree or wreath, the smell is festive! While we’re on the subject of Christmas trees, even if you decorate thematically give ornaments made by your children and grandchildren a place of honor. I was so proud that amongst the Victorian-themed ornaments on my Grammy’s tree, my handmade ornaments were prominently displayed.

Set your table — Unveil your China and silver; go all out to set a lovely table! Grammy always used her beautiful cream and rose China set, demonstrating that this was a special meal---this was Christmas! Using nice linens and tableware let me know as a child to be on my best behavior, which helped me learn about manners and etiquette. Also, include a low-profile centerpiece that reflects your taste and style. Go rustic or floral, or opt for a Florida centerpiece, like I am this year, with shimmering sand dollars, star fish, and small white Christmas trees. Clean all of these items the week before Christmas, go ahead and set your table and mark a big item off your list! My Grammy was cool and collected on Christmas Eve, as every hostess should be, and preparation was the reason!

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Cooking

— I remember the year that I found out my Grammy’s cooking secret—I saw it lurking in the trash—a frozen pie box! All those years I thought my Grammy cooked every last item from scratch, but she confessed that she had not and that made all the difference in getting everything done and being relaxed enough to have fun. Ask people to bring things! People love to contribute! Just give them a little direction—side dish, dessert, breads, drinks, etc. My goodness, don’t stress yourself out!

Hostess Fashion

— Any Southern hostess will tell you, you need to look your best. This is Christmas, y’all, it’s a special Holiday, so by all means make time to get yourself together---fix your hair, put on a little makeup and press your clothes—whether they be casual or your Sunday best. And, take a tip from Grammy’s playbook, get yourself a cute apron. Practical for keeping your clothes clean and cute enough to make a fashion statement!

Start Traditions— On the way to Grammy’s house, my Dad would turn on the car radio and really play up the Santa Tracker, we loved it! Before we departed from Grammy’s house we selected one ornament from her tree to keep.

Start your own tradition—peruse Pinterest and give your guests “Reindeer Food” as a parting gift, or a “Christmas Eve” box with pajamas, hot cocoa and a mug. Sing Christmas Carols around the fire. Have a Birthday Cake for Jesus, sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candles!

Christmas is a special Holiday no matter where you are. Love the people that you are with and make sure to enjoy every moment, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Merry Christmas, y’all!

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

Recent History of Pet Vaccination Protocols PART TWO

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A Christmas Miracle {Revisited}

by Dr. Peter Veling

Dr. Peter Veling is the owner of Palencia Pet Clinic www.palenciapetclinic.com

The following is an update of a true story. The names are now real too.

It really was the day after Christmas and all through the clinic… One of our best clients, Barb, called to say she had found a dog wandering through her neighborhood that was not doing well. We made her an appointment for later in the morning.

I was knee deep into a discussion of a very serious disease with another very caring client.

That discussion took extra time, as serious discussions frequently do. As a result, I was late for my next appointment. It turned out to be Barb, who brought along Eileen, another of our best clients, and the dog she had found. They had heard some of the discussion in the next room. They both remarked that I was having a bad day. I try not to show that I am but it must have been written all over my face.

The day proceeded to get worse once I saw the ancient Cairn Terrier they brought to me for care. They reported that she had vomited, was drinking a ton of water, which ran right through her, and she kept falling over. I saw her severe cataracts immediately. She was skinny. Her hair coat was sparse. She was underweight too. She would lie on the table instead of sitting or walking. I told them that she was old and that it sounded like she had diabetes. A diabetic without insulin would explain the vomiting, increased thirst and increased urination.

Barb and Eileen were concerned. I was too. They had searched their neighborhood. They had sent out an email blast to the other residents. They had gone door to door. No one knew the dog.

These situations happen all the time. We were concerned someone had dumped her off. I was just about to discuss testing her blood sugar or the obvious alternative when there was a man’s voice, from the reception counter that I could hear inside the exam room. He was asking if we had seen his missing, blind Cairn Terrier. Nick, my

technician, ran into the room, followed by the dog’s owner. His wife came into the room as well. They were reunited with Aggie. He immediately relayed that she was diabetic.

They had just moved into the neighborhood and were ecstatic to find her. Barb and Eileen burst into tears of relief that we did not have to put Aggie down.

This is not how it usually goes. If I had not spent the extra time helping the people with the severely ill dog, Aggie would have already been gone when her owners came in. Instead, she went home with her owners to an insulin injection and their continued love and care. This was our Christmas Miracle. My day had gone from the dumps to the highest highs in a matter of a few minutes.

The update is that our Christmas Miracle is nearing its anniversary and Aggie is well.

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