St johns mag jan 2018

ST.JOHNS January 2018

Bernard Diggs Our Hometown Hero Still Going Strong in Real Estate

Nature's Child PHOTOGRAPHY

magazine

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PUBLISHER Debbie Gaylord debbie@stjohnsmag.com EDITOR Darren Rosenbaum

Dear Reader,

CONTACT 904-687-8538 debbie@stjohnsmag.com www.stjohnsmag.com All rights reserved ©2012-2017 St. Johns Magazine LLC. Printed by The Hartley Press Jacksonville, FL Published monthly and distributed

by US Postal Service.

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

THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS DR. DECKARD NIKKI-LYN HOLM KATIE PARKER NANCY COHEN DIANE GRANT

My last girl's night of 2017 was spent reviewing the year with introspective questions about our biggest challenges, most wonderful moments, who we need to forgive, and will we? It was fun but the questions were not easy to answer. I have to say, I am quite happy to bid farewell to 2017 - goodbye autism stress, overscheduling, and lack of motivation. I hope 2018 will be an amazing year filled with forgiveness, inner focus, peaceful days, healing and abundance.

We have a great issue to start this powerful year.

Our feature this month about Bernard Diggs of the New Diggs Team. It is the story how an underdog has found success in life and his real estate career through sheer determination (and a lot of charisma).

Our In-style makeover model is Erica Bean, a local businesswoman and owner of Driftwood Printing. I first met Erica when we were starting our businesses back in 2012. She even worked part time briefly with St. Johns Magazine as an account executive. So much has changed since then as her own business has taken off and she lost over 50 pounds. I am so happy for her success and now with this makeover her inner beauty and grace is shining.

We also have a great new contributor, Diana Baker Brummer, a local mental health professional who has some great ideas on how to start the new year.

And a warm welcome to the neighborhood to Fionn MacCool's - opening January 5th!

Please enjoy and be sure to let our advertisers know you saw them in St. Johns Magazine.

Happy New Year ‘18 and many blessings.

Bernard Diggs

Erica Bean

PHOTOGRAPHER MINDY KERR

Debbie

NATURE'S CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY

St. Johns Magazine is made possible by local business sponsorship.

Please let them know you saw them in our pages & Thank you for shopping local!

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TO RECEIVE A QUOTE OR SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION PLEASE EMAIL DEBBIE@STJOHNSMAG.COM OR CALL 904-687-8538 WWW.STJOHNSMAG.COM

New Year New Diggs specializing in new construction & relocation

“Love the New Diggs”

Debra Smith

Charles Calihan

REALTOR® Buyer Specialist

REALTOR® Inside Sales Agent

Ana McCann REALTOR® Listing Specialist

904.860.4177

www.newdiggsteam.com

Karen Blankenship Niegen Diggs REALTOR® Homes for Heroes Specialist

Marketing Manager & Editor

Bernard Diggs REALTOR® Team Leader

Bernard@newdiggsteam.com

www.stjohnsmag.com Jacksonville/St. Johns | San Diego | Norfolk

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The Story of An Underdog

Bernard Diggs How a Local Hometown Hero Became a National Success in Real Estate Photo by Mindy Kerr of Nature's Child Photography

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Bernard Diggs and The New

team and is now expanding it on a

gain. Bernard took his father’s advice,

Diggs Team is one of the top real es-

national scale is a truly inspirational

restored a broken lawn mower, and

tate teams in Northeast Florida and

story of an underdog who changed

began advertising his lawn service

expanding across the nation! In par-

the paradigm and found his life’s pur-

business to the neighborhood. Single

ticular, The New Diggs Team is now

pose in helping families buy and sell

handedly he grew this business and

serving clients in Southern California

homes.

even hired two of his close friends

and Norfolk Virginia. Bernard Diggs is

Bernard was raised with two

to work for him. This learning lesson

a U.S. Navy Veteran who is continu-

loving parents who fought against all

later translated to further business

ing his service as an active reserv-

odds to provide opportunity for him

opportunities. His hopes of build-

ist currently. He is a proud husband,

and his siblings. “Opportunity” is the

ing a team who provides real estate

father of two, and one of the most

key word Bernard focuses on when

dreams come true is his passion. This

dedicated young entrepreneurs in

describing his gratitude towards his

passion is proven in his growth and

the St. Johns/ Jacksonville area. With

parents and his dedication for each

success.

his warm personality and big heart,

of his clients. A tremendous mile-

he couldn’t contain his success in

stone for Bernard gave birth at the

clients and team members are in-

real estate to only one area. His real

age of 13. Bernard’s dad encouraged

valuable. His desire to provide the

estate team expansion model is only

him to learn the value of money and

best experience possible for his buy-

part of his success story.

hard work by creating his own busi-

ers and sellers goes above and be-

ness idea that brought him financial

yond.

How he started his real estate

Bernard’s dedication to his

The foundation of New Diggs Team began af-

ter Bernard’s real estate career tripled in the first few

the New Diggs Team and their customers. She will not stop until her client’s real estate needs are met.

years. After analyzing the “why” to his success, he realized this could be translated and produced to further enhance his client’s experience through a team and not just one. His drive to promote a team model

Thank You Ana for your love of real estate and servitude! Started From the Bottom, Now We Are Here!

that served not only their customers but each other. In encouragement, motivation, and family atmosphere

New Diggs for the New Year is the New Diggs

he has provided a home for his team members. This

Team new year motto. They are offering a guaranteed

relational direction of working real estate is what felt

sale program where their team makes one promise:

most natural for Bernard. With the support of his men-

they sell your home or they buy it themselves! In addi-

tor, friend, and broker James Angelo, owner of Flori-

tion, they are offering a 1 year “love it, or leave it” pro-

da Homes Realty & Mortgage, this dream became a

gram for home buyers. Since this program allows buy-

reality. James has grown his brokerage to be one of

ers to purchase a home with the assurance that they’ll

the top 10 brokerages in Northeast Florida with con-

sell it for free (if they are not completely happy with it),

tinuous office additions to accommodate his quickly

it has created a larger home buyer base for them. In

rising real estate agents. With this experience, James

return, more buyers means more chances that some-

has been able to guide Bernard and the New Diggs

one will buy your home. Furthermore, their marketing

Team into becoming one of the top producing realtor

plan for 2018 is phenomenal! The end result: more ex-

groups in Northeast Florida.

posure for your home. In combination with their expansion from St. Johns FL to Southern California and

Agent Spotlight: Ana McCann

Norfolk Virginia, they are now in multiple cities/states to continue to serve you.

Bernard has chosen to spotlight one particular

agent from New Diggs Team. Ana “Rockstar” McCann is her name and real estate energy is her game! Ana counts each day as a blessing because she feels she has truly found what she loves to do. She enjoys all the buying and selling, the negotiating, and especially capturing the best deal for her customers. Ultimately culminating to that “AHA!” moment where her clients find a place to call their home. She is grateful to be part of one of the best teams in helping clients achieve their goals and dreams in home ownership. Ana has been a St. Johns county resident for the past 9 years, and a Jacksonville resident prior to that since the ‘90s.

Her relational, friendly, compassionate personality is easy to gravitate towards. Her education background includes graduating from University of Florida and working in the education field. She enjoys gardening, bike riding, and spending time with her two teenagers. Ana’s energy and relentless work ethic pours into

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The Perfect Bite Visits Fionn MacCool's

by Lori Allen

Well as promised here are my thoughts on the fare at Fionn Maccool’s Irish pub. We first had to decide on what beer to try because they have so many, 40 in all. I decided to try a flight because this way I get a sampling of 4 of them. You can make up the flights with any choices you want at the pub so if you are one that doesn’t like the super dark beers you can create something lighter. Most people taste a beer flight from the lightest beverage to the darkest brew to warm up their palate for the intense flavors of the darker beers. A flight should also feature a variety of brews and keep in mind when creating one that an ideal beer flight will highlight the difference between your beers. I went ahead and did the traditional flight which included crisp pale ale called Orange blossom along with Dukes, Smithwicks and Guinness. Each one has its own distinct flavor and went great with my meal. An interesting fact is that I always find Guinness pretty smooth; to me it is not as heavy as some people think especially when you mix it with a Larger for what is known as a black and tan. Give it a try sometime.

Next were the appetizers

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I wanted to try the Irish Nachos because they were made with potatoes instead of tortillas which sounded interesting but they looked big and plentiful and I was afraid that I would get too full for everything else that I was going to have.

So needless to say those are on my list for next time, along with the giant pretzel and sausage rolls YUM! Instead I went for the traditional Scotch egg which is really cool.

They take a hardboiled egg, cover it with a sage filled sausage, then roll it in an outer bread crumb coating then deep fry it.

This is served with a creamy stone ground mustard sauce. It is super crispy and when dipped into the mustard it adds just the right amount of zing, it was so good!

The next thing we tried was Reuben Spring Rolls who would have thought of such a thing…the Irish of course! They take slow roasted tender corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and stuff it all into light phyllo dough and deep fry it.

You get Thousand Island dressing for dipping (You know pickley, mayonannsay, tart goodness) so you feel like you are having a deep fried mini Reuben. They were delicious.

On to the main dishes

Of course we had to try the fish and chips a good pub wouldn’t be the same without them and these didn’t disappoint. The fish was plentiful, rich in flavor and beer battered along with some fries and peas. Throw some salt and malt vinegar on them and you has yourself a tasty traditional Irish meal! To be on the adventurous side we decided to try one of their boxty dishes. They have this funny little saying that goes along with them.

“Boxty on the griddle, Boxty in the pan, If

you can’t make a boxty, you’ll never get your man.” The word boxty is a Gaelic word “bacstai”, a boxty is a traditional method of grilling a potato pancake over an open fire or griddle. Ours was filled with steak, mushrooms and a thick sauce they called an Irish whisky sauce which was like brown gravy. It was not what we expected but it was pretty tasty. It sort of resembled a grilled tortilla but I am guessing instead of corn they used potato to create the thin pancake like tortilla and they have several tasty options for the “stuffing”.

So one of my friends decided to give the burger a try and went for the double hand-pattied beef burger. Make sure you come good and hungry for this one.

The beef patties are hand formed then grilled just the way you want them, piled on top of each other, along with choice of toppings in this case it was onions, mushroom and some of that rich dark gravy. I’m thinking that the Ginormous food guy may need to come down here and check it out.

They gave it the good ol’ two handed try but after a few bites this turned out to be a fork and knife kinda burger! It was wonderfully rich, meaty and full of flavor.

Fionn Maccool’s will be opening their second restaurant down here in St Johns (Firday, Jan 5th!) so come and visit or head out to the landing, check out the lighting of the tree and stop on in for some great Irish fare!

You won’t be disappointed!

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“Craf Act

QUIZ: How many St. Johns school mascots can you name?

The School Mascot: A History

by Katie Parker

Sports are a popular pastime in many communities and St. Johns is no exception. Teams (and their fans) are referred to by the name of their mascots as often as they are referred to by the city or college they represent.

The phrase, “I’m a Gator,” is widely understood to mean that a person is a fan of the University of Florida, not that they are claiming to be a large reptile. If you are a Seminole, you may have graduated from Florida State University. In our community, you are a Bear or a Knight if you go to Bartram Trail or Creekside high school, respectively.

Many of us enjoy having a collection of memorabilia- from t-shirts to beach towels- of our alma mater or favorite team, but where did the tradition of mascots originate and what are some of the mascots in our county?

The English term “mascot” comes from the French “la mascotte” which translates to “lucky charm”. In the mid 1900’s, sports team became some of the first groups to adopt mascots in the United States. The earliest mascots were real animals that were brought to sporting events to create excitement and camaraderie amongst fans. Now, mascots are often costumed performers who interact with

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Mascots are a symbol that can be used to quickly identify members of the same community. Have you ever worn a baseball cap with your child’s school’s mascot and met another parent because they were also wearing the school logo? You may have exchanged a greeting and a few minutes of camaraderie and were left with a feeling of connection. Mascots serve a very important purpose because they help create those connections by offering a very simple, fun, and immediate common ground.

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The Wellness Corner With Diana Baker Brummer, CSW-RI Good Mental Heath in Julington Creek

January is such a wonderful month. It’s full of the

Until we can identify as someone who is capable of be-

freshness of a New Year; the excitement of new goals to

ing physically fit, or a good communicator, or deserving

accomplish and the anticipation of experiences yet to be

of wealth, or a more attentive parent, we will continuous-

had. It’s a time to plan for what’s coming next and a time

ly fail to be those things because we won’t behave in a

to reflect on what has already passed.

manner that allows us to achieve those goals.

But as much as January is famously full of hope

Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creat-

and promise, it can also be infamously full of disappoint-

ing yourself. So, this year, let’s embrace our New Year’s

ment and frustration. Especially when the opposite of ac-

resolutions with the intention of creating the lives, rela-

complishing your goals is not accomplishing your goals

tionships, and experiences we have always hoped for. It’s

and the opposite of anticipating new experiences is not

never too late to become the person you were meant to

having new experiences to anticipate.

be.

Reflecting on last year’s goals and realizing you

haven’t yet achieved them can be difficult. Even more difficult is setting the same goals year after year and never achieving the results you desire. What are your new goals for this New Year? And what goals have you rolled over from 2017?

Whether it’s to “lose ten pounds,” or “communi-

LIFE ISN’T ABOUT FINDING YOURSELF. IT’S ABOUT

Creating

YOURSELF.

cate better with my partner,” or “make more money,” or “spend more time with the kids,” we all have areas of our lives we’d like to improve. What are you planning to do differently in 2018 to move past the limitations that have been holding you back? What tools and skills do you need in order to create the life and relationships you desire?

The first step in any transformation process is to

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Joy in Childhood Foundation

Donates $10,000 to Betty Griffin Center

by Ron Whittington

The Joy in Childhood Foundation has donated $10,000 to Betty Griffin Center, which provides emergency shelter and services for residents experiencing domestic or sexual abuse in St. Johns County.

Betty Griffin Center CEO Joyce Mahr says the grant will be used to support the shelter food program for children and families.

“This gift will help us provide healthy, fresh and nutritional food for families and children at the shelter and education about healthy eating, along with smart snacks that we can provide during children’s activities,” Mahr said.

Mahr also notes that research shows that there is a link between violence during childhood and the lack of access to enough food, so convenient access to healthy, nutritional foods will positively impact the future health and well-being of the children.

Since 2006, the foundation (formerly The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation) has donated over $11 million to hundreds of national and local charities through the generosity of franchisees, employees, vendors and guests – supporting partnerships with children’s hospitals, food banks, other and nonprofit organizations directly committed to serving kids.

Mahr, along with other representatives from Betty Griffin Center, were joined by foundation representatives and franchise owners to take part in a check presentation at the

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Dunkin’ Donuts location on Highway 207 in St. Johns County.

About Betty Griffin Center

The Betty Griffin Center was founded in 1990 by concerned citizens and incorporated as the Safety Shelter of St. Johns County to develop plans to provide shelter for local victims of domestic violence and their children. In 1992, the nonprofit agency contracted with a local motel for space and started a 24-hour crisis line and court advocacy program. By 1994, the agency purchased and opened Betty Griffin House as permanent shelter. The shelter expanded in 1998 to meet local demand, and a sexual assault program was added the same year. Today, Betty Griffin Center shelters more than 550 victims of domestic and sexual abuse annually, operates a 24-hour help line, provides professional counseling for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, provides age-appropriate violence prevention training and operates two thrift stores at Julington Square and Anastasia Square to assist in funding the agency’s ongoing operations.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.bettygriffincenter.org. To report if you or someone you know is being abused, call the Betty Griffin Center 24-hour help line at (904) 824-1555.

Nikki-Lyn Holm & Roseanne Hearn Your Premier Roundtable Agents

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January Calendar & Fun Guide January 4th Symphony in 60 "The Inextinguishable" Jacksonville Symphony 300 Water St, Ste 200, Jacksonville, Happy Hour starts at 5:30pm, concert at 6:30pm includes presentations by Courtney Lewis. Followed by complimentary drinks with Symphony musicians on stage at 7:30pm. Ticket includes a pre-concert complimentary beverage and symphony tumbler, hors-d'oeuvres, concert admission and complimentary post-concert drinks.

January 11th Westminster Choir at The Cathedral Basilica St. Augustine 38 Cathedral Pl, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 Saturday, January 20, Macaroni and Cheese Cookoff Brewz - Bartram Park 2 PM - 5 PM Everyone will have the chance to vote for their favorite. Great prizes for the winners, but let's be honest... with craft beer and mac and cheese, we're ALL winning.14866 Old St. Augustine Rd. Unit 101, Jacksonville, Florida 32258 Through Jan 31 St. Augustine Nights of Lights January 20th Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Marvel fans, assemble for this live, action-packed, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. Spider-Man, the 22

Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wandof Watoomb before it falls into Loki's hands.

January 22 Bacon-stravaganza 927 W Forsyth St, Jacksonville, Seven courses of bacon-inspired dishes await, with flavors you have never dreamed of dancing in harmony on your tongue. This evening promises to be a magical experience you didn’t know was right under your finger tips.

Tickets: https://www.jaxrestaurantreviews.com/event/bacon-stravaganza927-events/ January Events

Winter Wonderland Art Camp January 2nd – 5th (2 sessions per day: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 – 4 p.m.)

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St Johns, FL 32259 Cookies-N-Canvas creativemeartstudio.

January 12th, 6 – 8 p.m. com Family Fun Night January 19th, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Wine & Canvas Night January 20th, 7 – 9 p.m.

Cookies-N-Canvas January 27th, 6 – 8 p.m.

Winter Wonderland Art Camp January 2nd – 5th (2 sessions per day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 – 4 p.m.)

January 22nd Rebounderz Sensory Friendly Nights!

Starting on January 22nd, (rescheduled from January 8th) Sensory Friendly Night will now be hosted from 3:00pm - 5:00pm on the First Monday of the month** dates are subject to change due to Duval and St. John's County Schedules.During Sensory Friendly Nights, we turn off the music and dial down the distractions to make our facility more sensory-friendly.

January 26th Charlotte's Web Theatreworks, Inc. at The Florida Theatre 128 E Forsyth St, Jacksonville, Charlotte's Web is based on E.B. White's loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops!This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship.

January 27th River Blessing 9-11 am. The Stetson Kennedy Foundation and St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department invite you to participate in the annual River Blessing, a spiritual, but non-religious event that is inspired by Native American teachings. The event will be a gathering to give thanks to the river and show our appreciation for its existence. The Matanzas Riverkeeper and St. Johns Riverkeeper will speak about the waterways they serve and offer inspirational words. All are welcome to attend. Drums are welcome for a simple heart beat during the blessing.

January 31st -February 1st Disney's The Lion King Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.

Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING. www.timesunion.centerjacksonville.com

Happy New New Year www.stjohnsmag.com

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STARLIGHT GYMNASTICS

SEVO MEd

Honda of The Avenues

Mandarin

Arch Pilates

Poppin Box Wild Birds Unlimited

WEAVER & STRATTON PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Good Mental Health

Nikki-Lyn Holm Roundtable Monkey Realty Bars Massage Green

Watkins Allergy Clinic

Blue Sky Dental

New Diggs Team

Statefarm Don Haneline

Julington Creek & Durbin

Nature’s Child Photography

Switzerland Animal Hospital

Bartram Park

Bartram Springs

Creative Me Art Studio

We Give Realty

2 TEACH Grout Line Solutions

SHEARWATER

CR 210 Corridor

SUMO SUSHI

Everybody Fitness

Menton & Ballou

PET’S R FAMILY

ST. JOHNS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Los Portales

Henry Orthodontics

Rivertown Fine Wine

ANIMAL MEDICAL CLINIC

210 Family Chiropractic

Feeding the Body Feeding the Soul

St. Johns Magazine’s Guide to the Best Local Businesses 24

Celebrate

Menton & Ballou Nocatee

Fionn MacCool’s Restaurant

Nocatee & Palencia

Coastal Carrera Wine Cellar Aunt Kate’s Restaurant

Coastal Casual

→

Local

The Reef Restaurant

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

www.stjohnsmag.com

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Sparkle in Style with Nikki-Lyn Holm

STEPPING OUT with Erica Bean

by Vanessa Kromer & Nikki-Lyn Holm

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Our makeover model for January, Erica Bean, has set her goals high for the new year! She is ready to step out BIG in 2018 and having this makeover was her first step! As Erica stated herself, “she works in a male dominated industry.” Erica owns Driftwood Printing and runs the warehouse with her husband. Not only is the job hard work, but it also restricts how she can dress while on the job. Now 7 years later, Erica’s work attire and dress code have crossed over to her everyday attire by design, not by choice.

Prior to opening the business, Erica always dressed nice but her warehouse dress code was now holding her back. About 2 years ago, Erica was ready to make some changes. She began with a personal trainer who worked with her to begin her weight loss journey through clean eating and weightlifting. She also introduced the Isagenix shake system into her plan. This rapidly increased her mental clarity, stamina, and energy. After 18 months, Erica had lost 50 pounds! She felt great, and her self-esteem and confidence increased. She now had the confidence to take group classes at the gym, something that she would have never considered prior! Her husband and children were her motivation for her health journey and they were very proud and supportive. Erica began to feel a fire within her this summer, so she started stepping out of her comfort zone more and more. And now with the timing

of this makeover, the puzzle pieces had fallen into place.

We asked Erica what she was most excited about with this makeover. She shared how thrilled she was to have a new hair cut and color and she was over the moon excited about her clothing and accessories. She plans to purge her old “warehouse” looks. In fact, she ended up purchasing several outfits from The Pink Nickel as we left her fitting. By the time her makeover was complete, Erica felt renewed and confident. From her new pink velvet boots to her smokey eyes and bold lip, she now had the finishing touches to complete her look. Erica was the perfect make. over candidate for January, as she set the bar high and was ready to go big, and she did just that.

She stepped right into those pink boots and is crossing into 2018 with a renewed confidence, a fire within her, and a pretty joyfully excited pep in her step.

Erica before her makeover in her work “outfit”

January “In Style” Team Vendors www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle To contact your “Instyle” team: yourinstyleteam@gmail.com Creative Coordinator: Nikki-Lyn Holm www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle

Annual Rare Bourbon Auction

to benefit PANCAN! (pancreatic cancer action network)

Coming this February 2018!

2849 County Road 210 W #107 St. Johns 32259 904-230-1577

Amazing Accessory Stylist: Rosanne Hearn 904-316-2576 Hair Hottie: Mallory Wingert with In Vision Hair Design, Inc. 1637 Race Track Rd. St. Johns, FL 32259 Magical Makeup Artist: Josie Otero with Nic Studios 904-252-3243 Fabulous Fashions: The Pink Nickel 108 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste 107 St. Johns, FL 32259 www.thepinknickel.com

Open 365 days a year!

Office Space Available Located on CR 210, behind McDonald’s

• • • •

11 X 11 Office Furniture Included Utilities Included Wi-Fi Included

$500

Photography Perfection: Kim Pennington www.kpennington.com 904-460-7567 Teeth Whitening Blue Sky Dental www.blueskydentalgroup.com Gratitude to our community favorite, Maple Street Biscuit Company for providing delicious meals for our makeover event! 1627 Race Track Rd. St. Johns, FL 32259 Facial & Gift Basket from Dr. Jennifer Allen's Spa Makeover Coordinator: Nikki-Lyn Holm www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle ****we are searching for the first quarter of 2018.

WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.premierdesigns.com/Instyle

per month

For details, please call Larry Ingalls at 904-230-9669

HELP WANTED Do you like meeting new people, have the desire to help local small businesses succeed & have the time & unique ability required for inside/ outside sales?

We are Hiring an Account Representative *Commission Only FREEDOM to make your own hours & work where you live.

Send resume to debbie@stjohnsmag.com www.stjohnsmag.com

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Metronomic Chemotherapy Offers Another Option in Treating Cancer in Pets

By Dr. Zachary Neumann, Southeast Veterinary Oncology and Internal Medicine

If you’ve ever been a musician, then you have probably heard of the metronome, a musical instrument that produces regular, metrical ticks representing a fixed, regular aural pulse.

Metronomic chemotherapy is the term given to a chemotherapy protocol that uses old chemotherapy drugs to target cancer cells in a whole new fashion. It uses low doses of oral chemotherapy on a frequent, or pulse, basis.

Fortunately, in our pet patients, we do not see side effects in the vast majority of patients treated with metronomic chemotherapy because of the low doses that are used.

How is it different from traditional chemotherapy?

Traditional chemotherapy is given at high dosages known as the maximum tolerated dose, alternating with a drugfree period of usually a week to four weeks. The goal of traditional chemotherapy is to kill the rapidly dividing cancer cells. However, some normal cells in the body are rapidly dividing, as well. These cells include ones found in the gastrointestinal tract and in the bone marrow. As a result of the damage to the normal cells, there is a break period to allow for these cells to recover from the side effects.

Unlike traditional chemotherapy, Metronomic Chemotherapy leads to sustained concentrations of the drugs in the blood stream which targets and inhibits growth of the cells of the blood vessels that feed the tumor, a process

called angiogenesis. Some metronomic chemotherapy drugs also target cells that are attacking the immune system! One of the greatest benefits for both our clients and our patients is the ability to administer all medications at home instead of having to make regular trips to the clinic for treatment.

When can Metronomic Chemotherapy be used?

We have often used metronomic chemotherapy in situations where patients have failed standard of care, meaning their cancer is progressive on the recommended treatment options.

Metronomic chemotherapy can be used in a number of situations, including: • Following surgery for an incompletely excised soft tissue sarcoma • When spread of the cancer (metastatic disease) is diagnosed • When more aggressive treatment options (such as surgery or radiation therapy) cannot be pursued

It’s often music to a client’s ears when we can provide hope when it seems like all hope may be lost. Metronomic Chemotherapy offers us yet another option when it comes to targeting and treating cancer in your pet.

Nearly half of our pets over 10 years old will develop cancer.

Know the 10 common signs: • Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow • Sores that don’t heal • Unexplained weight loss • Loss of appetite • Bleeding or discharge from any opening in the body

• Offensive odor • Difficulty eating and or swallowing • Hesitation to exercise and loss of stamina • Persistent lameness or stiffness • Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

If you notice any of these symptoms, ask your vet to refer your pet to us!

Visit sevomed.com for more on specialized cancer treatment for your pet Providing Veterinary Oncology & Internal Medicine for Animals since 2004 Orange Park 904-278-3870 | Jacksonville 904-567-7519

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SEVO-Med

SOUTHEAST VETERINARY ONCOLOGY AND INTERNAL MEDICINE

“Giving New Hope Every Day”

At North beach/Vilano A1A Just 20 minutes south of CR210

824-8008

A Great View from Every Inside Seat

* Serving Lunch & Dinner * FreSh FiSh, SeaFooD, SteakS & More

* happy hour, Live MuSic * Banquet FaciLitieS up to 90

LEGENDARY Sunday Brunch

www.thereefst augustine.com

Oceanside Patio Dining

for menus, hours, news & directions

The Ocean or The River....The Best of Both Views Come by Boat or by Car

Beautiful Views, Casual Atmosphere, & Fresh Local Seafood

612(2 blocks Euclid Ave - St. Augustine south of the castle off A1A in North Beach)

w w w. a u n t - k a t e s . c o m

829-1105

Open 7 days a week - Lunch & Dinner www.stjohnsmag.com

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A Message From The Vet With Dr. Kathleen Deckard, DVM Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy in Pets

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT) or therapeutic laser, is a wonderful, non-invasive way to speed healing and manage pain in pets. It has been used for many years with great results and it is very safe. The laser therapy that your veterinarian uses is a class IV laser which can only be used by a licensed professional.

How does cold laser therapy work?

Laser therapy uses a specific wavelength of light (red and near-infrared) to increase circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm, stiffness and pain. It is painless and completely non-invasive. The effects of it are cumulative, so with each treatment typically lasting just a few minutes, the benefits begin to be seen after the first few treatments.

Cold laser therapy is great to accelerate the healing of wounds or other injuries and to help reduce chronic pain from conditions like arthritis and intervertebral disc disease. Because it can do this, it can help to reduce the amount of pain medication your pet might need or help in cases where the current pain medication is not enough.

What to Expect

Your veterinarian will want to examine your pet to decide if the therapeutic laser could be helpful and also to decide the treatment plan including the areas to be treated and frequency of your visits. This may include some testing such as

radiographs. Once you have a treatment plan, your appointment for cold laser therapy will be quick and easy. People in the exam room should wear protective eyeware, which is provided. Then your vet or technician will turn on the laser and run it back and forth along the part of the body that is being treated for a particular amount of time that your vet determines is optimal. Your pet will feel a warm or light tingling sensation over the treated area.

Most pets enjoy the therapy session and the entire appointment usually takes just a few minutes.

Initially, you may have two or three appointments within a week, but as the cumulative effects of the laser being to work, the frequency is reduced. Usually, within a couple of weeks, you can expect to see improvement in your cat or dog! After that, it’s just maintenance. You may need to come in weekly or even less often depending on your pet’s clinical response.

Do all veterinarians offer laser therapy?

Cold lasers are an expensive piece of equipment so therefore, not all practices are able to have one on site. They are becoming more popular since the demand for non-conventional and safe therapies for pain management is high with outstanding results. Call your veterinarian today to ask if they have laser therapy and if they think your pet could benefit from it. Your pet will thank you for it!

Dr. Kathleen Deckard, Owner/veterinarian at Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital

Happy Holidays!

Therapy Now Available!

Help your pet bounce back from injury & pain

Your other family doctor!

904-452-PETS(7387)

3035 CR 210 West, St. Johns (next to Hurricane Wings)

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www.PetsRFamilyVet.com

Hours of Operation Mon- Fri 8:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 8:00 - Noon; Early Drop Off at 7:30

Our Newest Location: 2245 CR 210 West Suite 116 St. Johns, FL 32259 904.342.8340

St. Augustine: 1030 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd.

St. Augustine, FL 32084 904.824.9402

cananlaw.com www.stjohnsmag.com

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