St johns mag november 2015 by St. Johns Magazine

Cover by Carlos Villalba Kalil, CVK Photographer

S T .J OHNS ST.JOHNS

NOVEMBER 2015

Local Business Local Business

Local People

Local Events

MAGA ZINE MAGAZINE

Local Fare A Taste of The Good Life

FAll Fun Guide!!

A Surprising Walk Through Trout Creek St. Johns Magazine OCTOBER 2015with a Nauralist

Is Your Teenager Ready for College?

Celebrating Johns! 904-687-8538 Life Findin outSt. how you can help 1

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

GAther & Give Thanks!

Dear Reader, St. Augustine’s First Thanksgiving took place on September 8, 1565, 55 years before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock. The Europeans were from Spain and the Native Americans were Timucuan. This 450th Commemoration year, take time to learn about the history of our area at the Fountain of Youth. On Saturday, September 5, 2015, I set out with my almost 2 year old son for the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine. I was excited to share with him the Commemoration of the 450th landing of Pedro Menendez de Aviles in St. Augustine and subsequent Thanksgiving feast. As a St. Augustine native, the place brings back childhood memories of visiting in Septembers past, strolling the grounds, taking a few swigs from the legendary fountain, and sharing the history of our little town with my dad, a proud Minorcan, St. Augustinian. This particular September morning the excitement in the air was palpable—this was the 450th Commemoration! We arrived a little early and were able to explore the grounds. I was impressed with changes since the last time I had been—a reproduction of the church that would have been built and a replication of the Timucuan village that would have greeted the Spaniards upon their arrival in La Florida. Members of the Cherokee of Georgia were present and shared with me what Native Peoples, such as the Timucua, of the Southeast would have been like in the 16th Century. As we strolled we were greeted by beautiful “PeaPops,” or Peacocks, a favorite of my toddler. Another point of interest for him were the horses. I have to say, the reenactors portraying the Spaniards on their horses were regal and formidable, one can imagine what Seloy and the rest of the Timucuans thought when seeing them for the first time. We continued to the waterfront where Pedro Menendez de Aviles, portrayed by actor, Chad Light, was set to arrive. At the waterfront, we found information about the rebuilt “chalupa” or boat that Menendez arrived in, a rebuilt wooden watchtower and an archaeological dig in progress. When the boat with Menendez came into view, the large crowd cheered. The sun was shining on the landing, but just to the west, dark clouds were rolling in. Cannons fired to herald the arrival of the explorer and, as if on cue, thunder clapped. The chalupa landed and the founding party exited, followed by the St. Augustine “Royal Family,” portraying the Spanish Monarchy from 1672 when the Castillo was built. A processional formed, including members of the Las Floridanos Society, whose members trace their ancestry to the First Spanish Period; as they marched back towards to the entrance, rain fell. Despite the rain, many people stayed and enjoyed a “Thanksgiving” meal with Menendez. Remarks were made and a blessing was given by Father Gilbert Medina portraying the priest that accompanied Menendez, Francisco Lopez de Mendoza

Grajales. It was surreal to be standing there with my two year old, remembering my childhood and thinking back to 1565 when Pedro Menendez de Aviles first landed on these shores and began European Colonization of St. Augustine. A topic that piqued my interest, was that of the Timucuan people that greeted Menendez on his arrival and had lived here for centuries. To share their history and the history and culture of all Southeastern Native people, Eric Wilkerson at the The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is organizing “The First Annual Southeast Native American Gathering” also called “Isaco,” the Timucuan word for joy, to be held on Saturday, November 21 from 9-6 and and Sunday, November 22 from 9-5. The event will include traditional dancing, including a traditional Stomp Dance at dusk, storytelling, and handmade arts and crafts for sale. Regular Admission rates apply, special rates for St. Johns County Residents. The Fountain of Youth is located at 11 Magnolia Ave. St. Augustine. Thanks! Jennifer Andreu Yarbrough Writer for St. Johns Magazine

November 2015

Debbie Gaylord - Publisher & Darren Rosenbaum - Editor Contributors: Jennifer Yarborough, Jennifer Logue, Dr. Peter Veling, Xiomara Spadafora, Casey Chin WWW.STJOHNSMAG.COM 904-687-8538 debbie@stjohnsmag.com All rights reserved ©2015 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.

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

A Taste of The Good Life

Photography by Carlos Villalba

What You Need To Know: 4100 Coastal Highway St. Augustine, FL 32084 *The Reef is located just ten minutes from downtown or 20 from Ponte Vedra or the 210 corridor and with easy parking. thereefstaugustine.com 904-824-8008 info@thereefstaugustine.com Reservations: Available directly, through the website or by OpenTable.

The Reef

Dont Miss: Sunday Brunch

St. Johns residents looking for a restaurant that encompasses casual beach energy with high end cuisine should look no further than The Reef. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic, with stunning vistas of the ocean in every direction, dining at the Reef gives one the feeling of being aboard a yacht, complete with a first class chef and live entertainment. The Reef originally opened as Compton’s in 1989 on a high dune overlooking the ocean at North Beach. The story goes that Mr. Compton, a local businessman and Mr. Usina, whose family is of direct Minorcan descent collaborated to create the new restaurant. Compton’s was popular but closed about a decade later in 1999 when Mr. Comptom fell ill. In 2002, after a brief but unsuccessful time as ‘McMulvie’s Reef’ the Usina family took over direct ownership of the property continuing business as The Reef, as it is known today. Since then under the ownership and support of the Usinas and the management of Jeremy Ticehurst and his team, The Reef has achieved a reputation of excellence. Located as it is on the beach in a tourist town the concept is relaxed elegance. Outside, The Reef is a rustic-looking building with weathered boards and a North Florida feel. Inside, the scent of sea air mixes with diverse spices and fresh seafood while live music plays in the background every Friday and Saturday. It is a place where everyone and anyone is welcome, whether it is celebrating couples, families with children, casual groups or business people. People love the food, the daily happy hour, the music and the staff. Indeed, at the heart of what makes The Reef amazing is the well trained, courteous

Ahhh... life on the deck

waiters, hostesses, bartenders and prep cooks who assist Executive Chef Bob Henle. Manager Jeremy Ticehurst is passionate about maintaining a local focus. The Reef sources food, mostly seafood, produce and fruit locally whenever possible and has extensive bar offerings, including cocktails from The St Augustine Distillery, wines from San Sebastian Winery and craft beers from St Augustine, Jacksonville and around Florida. As befits an oceanfront restaurant there are an abundance of fish and seafood dishes, balanced by some fine meat and vegetarian dishes. Chef Bob Henle lived and worked in Spain for many years and that influence can be seen in his special creations. Standouts include; the chicken liver pate with delicate onion and sage herbs; the Zarzuela, a Catalonian bouillabaisse seasoned with saffron; or the mouthwatering, spicy Datil Peppers Shrimp and Grits. The Reef is also renowned for its award winning Sunday Buffet Brunch. With a dizzying array of hot and cold items, carving station, crab legs and complimentary champagne, it's a wonderful way to relax for a couple of hours with friends or family. The Reef also features a second floor banquet room with two balconies that seats up to 80 and offers the same great setting and ample parking. It's an ideal place to hold receptions, rehearsal dinners and family or business events. So here's an idea. This holiday season, head down to North Beach with visiting family members or a group of local friends and treat them to all The Reef has to offer. It's the quintessential taste of the good life in St. Johns.

The Reef Manager Jeremy Ticehurst enjoys a drink at the bar St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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Have you tried Bite A Bagel yet? The cozy new eatery brings the taste of New York to North Florida with its authentic bagels and unique cream cheeses. Kathy & Rich Borsody dreamed of opening a bagel store for years. They wanted it to offer delicious wholesome fare and be family friendly, the kind of place where they knew customers on a first name basis. Last spring they took the plunge and with the help of their extended family opened Bite A Bagel on County Road 210. We wanted to help our readers get to know a little bit more about this welcome addition to the neighborhood. Bite a Bagel is all about family. Besides you and Rich, who is part of it? My sister Nancy, and her daughter Alex (my niece), my daughter Danielle, my son Bobby, my youngest daughter Olivia who helps me behind the scenes and sometimes my parents, Dan & Addy, come to give us a hand. We also have a great “BAB” family, who may not be related, but are a huge part of the success of BAB – Jordan, Hailey, Daniel and Dan. One of the things that makes Bite A Bagel so unique is the cream cheese flavors... How do you come up with ideas? I honestly don’t know – it just hits me. I can see something, or hear something, and I will wonder if I can make it into a cream cheese spread. Some work, and some don’t. Do you test them out on anyone first? Yes. Anyone who is working that day will have a taste test – and they are all very honest with me. When I create a new flavor, I usually make a very small batch and test it. I will ask our customers to try it and tell me what they think. If customers like it, I will make it again and again – but will fine tune it each time I make it until I feel it is just right. We always have the most popular flavors daily, but the many other flavors are alternated each week – and new ones added. If you don’t see your favorite, please let me know and I’ll make it for you the next time you come in. Many customers have asked me to make their favorite. I love that! Makes me feel good and very happy knowing they enjoy something I created. What are the key ingredients in creating an outstanding cream cheese spread? Each cream cheese spread has unique ingredients, but the key is “fresh” ingredients. What are the top 3 sellers? Bacon and Chive, Veggie, and Jalapeno . Which one is your favorite? My favorite is the Pumpkin Pie! It really is so good. Where do you get your dough? Our dough is made in Brooklyn. They are purchased from a Bagel/ Bialy company who has been in business for over 65 years. Since you make the bagels fresh daily, what is the process? There is a long process. The bagels have to be prepared, proofed and then refrigerated over night before they are steamed and baked. It’s hard when we run out of a specific flavor for the day, because we can’t just bake and serve. We try to always have enough, and sometimes we have too much. At the end of the day, all remaining Sponsored by Bite a Bagel & Home Instead Senior Care bagels are donated or discarded. Other than bagels, what types of foods do you serve? It is important to know that we do not have a microwave at Bite a Bagel – everything is made fresh on the grill. For breakfast we have omelet sandwiches and platters, egg sandwiches with or without cheese and choice of bacon, ham or sausage, Lox sandwiches, and we even have Fried Taylor Ham for our New Jersey customers. Our most popular breakfast sandwich is “The Brooklyn” – two eggs any style with your choice of meat on top of Jalapeno cream cheese and choice of bagel. Recently we added a healthier option, “The Lean &

Santa for Seniors

Owners Kathy and Rich with Sister Nancy

Mean” made with egg whites. For lunch you can create your own sandwich with all Boars Head Meats & cheeses. We have tuna, egg and chicken salad everyday. Soup, when the weather is not so hot, and the very popular Bagel Burger. Another favorite is the Wrangler – hot roast beef and provolone cheese smothered with

mushrooms, onions and our homemade horseradish sauce. The coffee is delicious and its nice that the flavors change often. Where do you get your coffee ? We buy our coffee from Kaffe Magnum Opus, a specialty coffee roaster in Southern New Jersey. We love to pick the different flavors – they have so many! The most popular is Almond Biscotti, Salted Caramel, and right now – Harvest Spice. We serve a very popular Brazilian blend –a medium roast and the Italian Roast – which is a bit bolder. We have a very good Decaf House Blend as well.

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St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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THE PATIENT OR PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE SERVICES, EXAMINATIONS OR TREATMENTS

College Planning 101 Parents of High Schools Students.... Are you prepared for your teenager’s next chapter? by Casey Chin, College Admissions Expert With today’s fast-paced world and ever-changing processes, the days of waiting to plan for college until the senior year is over! College planning should begin during the start of your freshman year and should include close consultation with your child’s guidance counselor.

Freshmen

Become aware of your spare time and the rigor of courses that you select. Community service and student organization participation should begin as early as your freshman year. Become active in your school community. Make it fun and enjoyable and drag your friends along! Also, meet with your guidance counselor to ensure that the courses you are taking are right for you! The courses you select during your freshman year will have an impact on your schedule the rest of your high school career.

Sophomores

Continue with community service and participation in student organizations. Step it up a notch and take on a leadership role within your clubs and engage in community service when you can. The more you engage in community service projects within the community, the more other potential opportunities will arise. You could be offered an internship or a community service award – both of which will be great resume boosters!

Juniors

Now that you are actively involved in your school and community, it’s time to start thinking more specifically about college planning! You should be going on numerous campus visits throughout high school, especially in your junior year! Visit in-state and out-of-state campuses. Visit large public universities and small private institutions to get a feel for what fits you best! You should have your final schools narrowed down before the start of your senior year! Most students apply to at least 5 different schools. Also, be sure to get SAT/ACT Prep! Good scores are vital to admission into the college of your choice, and your scores will follow you throughout your years at college when it comes times to apply for scholarships… and even some jobs!

Seniors

By now, you should know where you want to apply! Seniors have enough going on – this one piece should be figured out before the start of your senior year. Seniors should be working on the final drafts of the academic resume as well as preparing the admission essays for the college of their choice.

The entire college planning process can be very overwhelming! Taking it step by step each year will help alleviate some of the stress! If you have any questions or need additional help, please give me a call and set up a free consultation at the Tutoring Club St. Johns. 904-230-2855 St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538 Best wishes, Casey Chin

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

Thanksgiving CHEER

Courtesy of the St. Augustine Distillery

RIBERIA RIDER

1 1/2 ounces St. Augustine Rum 1 ounce fresh lemon juice 3/4 ounce Aperol 3/4 ounce velvet falernum 2 dashes of Angostura bitters Lemon peel Add all ingredients in a shaker, including bitters. Shake and strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon peel.

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If you would like to see past the green wall and begin a foraging adventure, here are some tips from Mr. Halusky: Allergies- Talk with a Doctor about possible allergies

before you begin. Don’t think that you can wait until survival situations to forage, learn now.

Start taking walks in nature and identifying what you see.

Mule Mug -serve the Keep a journal- draw pictures orMoscow take rubbings. most popular drink of 2015

Write down details in your journal.

Verify- Verify what you saw with two field guides and a

naturalist before you decide to forage. Write down the name of the item, similar items, noting ones that might look similar, but be poisonous. Include details helpful in identifying in the future.

Some Field Guides to consider:

Foraging... It Goes Beyond Dinner by Jennifer Yarbrough

I love cooking and am always trying new recipes and ingredients. That, along with my love of exploring the woods of Northeast Florida, brought me to foraging. What better way to combine a passion for food and nature than using “wild edibles,” in your meals, right? I set out on my quest by speaking with Mr. AyoLane Halusky, St. Johns County Recreation and Parks Naturalist for Trout Creek and Alpine Groves Parks. In addition to his usual offerings through SJC Recreation and Parks of kayaking trips and nature walks, he occasionally offers Wild Edibles Walks. Going in to the meeting with him, I thought I might be bringing back some items to serve my family for dinner, but what I brought back with me was more profound. We started off discussing the “Don’ts” of gathering, which are very important to your health and to nature. We covered how much to gather, where to gather, and how to gather. As we were discussing these things he mentioned “the green wall,” how one really has to hone in their skills of truly “seeing” nature. That is what stopped me in my tracks. I began to realize that this foraging thing is much bigger than dinner, it’s about looking at the natural world with keen eyes. It will take far more than one walk to determine what leaves are edible or poisonous, what berries might be used for medicinal purposes or are considered “hot medicine.”

Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel, Native Florida Plants by Haehle and Brookwell, Peterson’s Field Guide, Newcombs Wildflower Guide.

Take your time- Plan on taking walks and identi-

fying what you see for about a year before you begin foraging. Be wary of mushrooms, they are hard to identify.

Start with what you enjoy- Which do you enjoy more—flowers, berries, bushes, trees? Begin to hone your skills observing what you enjoy first and then branching out.

Stay connected - If you would like to be added

to SJC Recreation and Parks email list to learn of future opportunities, please email Mr. Halusky at ahalusky@sjcfl.us

It’s a beautiful day today, I’m grabbing my sketchbook, my field guide and I am headed out! Hope to see you on the trails!

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

BY SOCIAL GRADE

Top 10 Gift Ideas for the Holidays Ice Mule portab Cooler -the wo le highperform rld’s most ance co oler

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Women’s Cosmetic Bag or Men’s Dopp Kit -something to help organize your holiday travels

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November Calendar

www.stjohnsmag.com Enjoy our calendar online this month, with fun things to do in

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Senior Living Tips

New Treatments for Leg Pain By Jennifer Logue, Firstlight Home Care, Palencia Just about everyone has suffered a painful leg cramp at one time or another. But when are cramps and achy legs merely a passing annoyance and when are they cause for concern?

•Restless Leg Syndrome: An uncontrollable urge to move the legs when at rest is a sign of this condition. Other people may experience tingling, itching or a burning sensation in the legs.

The answer may lie in your veins.

•Leg Ulcers: Often associated with arterial disease and diabetes, these chronic wounds may also be caused by CVI and can take many months to heal without treatment.

“Many people know about the dangers of arterial disease which can lead to serious events like heart attack or stroke,” said Dr. Paul Vitulli of Ponte Vedra Vein Institute. “But in the absence of arterial disease, people may still have changes in the legs which are painful and unsightly related to chronic vein disease.”

Arteries vs. Veins

While arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the extremities, veins return blood to the heart once it has circulated through the body. When valves become damaged and blood flows the wrong direction in the leg veins, a person may develop what is known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Promising New Treatments

Fortunately, there are a number of new, non-invasive medical procedures available that can treat these types of venous issues. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), for example, is an in-office procedure that uses a laser fiber to target diseased veins with tremendous precision and very minimal discomfort.

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

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“We initially use ultrasound to map a route through the diseased veins,” Vitulli said. “We then guide a thin laser catheter through the diseased vein to reroute blood flow through nearby healthy veins.”

The Vascular Disease Foundation estimates that up to 20% of adults may be affected by CVI, which can cause leg pain, swelling and a host of more serious conditions, including:

Other new treatments include the use of radiofrequency ablation catheters and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, non-invasive alternatives to surgical vein stripping which is known to be quite painful.

•Varicose Veins: More than 12 million men and women across the country suffer from these enlarged, bulging veins. “Many people think varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem,” Vitulli said, “but if left untreated, they can become painful, debilitating and can lead to ulcers.”

“Venous issues often go overlooked and undiagnosed,” Vitulli said. “These new minimally invasive procedures covered by most health insurance providers are a convenient way to address these common causes of leg pain.”

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DURBIN COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS by Judith Fox-Goldstein

Crystal Spencer

Bjorn Huysmans

Nature’s Child Photography

Owner, designer and creative spirit behind ROOM by ROOM Interiors, Crystal Spencer is a “Woman for all Seasons!” Multi-talented, creative and committed, Crystal began her interior design company in 2006 after a dual, 20-year career in health management and the Air Force. “I wanted to reinvent myself and follow my passion!” Gifted with a flair for decorating and an appreciation for art, Crystal was determined to invest in herself and follow her heart. Her keen decorating eye and dynamic personality were a perfect match for her new endeavor. Working closely with her clients, Crystal creates warm, inviting and practical design solutions that resonate unique personality and taste preferences. With access to designtrade resources, (fabrics, flooring and furnishings), Crystal expands unique design options for clients and says that no job is too big or too small! Stressed out about finding the perfect paintcolor, covering your bare windows, or an entire makeover of your family room, Room by Room Interiors can take the guesswork out and give you a “pulled-together look” room by room! Contact Crystal and begin to “Reimagine, Redecorate and Refresh” your home. Email design@rbinteriors.com or 904.800.9546, website: http://www.rbrinteriors.com

FlyDriveRent

Bjorn Huysmans, owner/operator of FlyDriveRent provides a very special driving service for our local community, Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Serving all airports, hotels and destinations in North Florida, Bjorn’s fleet of cars is modern, comfortable, classy and available 24/7. “Driven by Commitment”, Bjorn’s desire is to meet the needs of his clients by providing a full-service driving company. Whether you are going to the airport in Orlando or want a tour of the city, Bjorn will match his driving services to your specific needs. Enjoy riding in a chauffeur-driven SUV or full-service, elegant car - FLYDRIVERENT has the car for you! More than a driver, Bjorn becomes your Personal Assistant! Professional, uniformed, baggage handler, airport greeter, flight monitor and tour guide, Bjorn’s luxury car awaits curb side for you with relaxing, refreshing, cold bottles of water. He cares about his clients, is warm, courteous and very knowledgeable about the geography. “Driven by Satisfaction”, FlyDriveRent provides quality service for shopping tours, galas, special events and all your travel needs. Contact Bjorn at 904-466-5387 or email info@flydriverent.com

Armed with her lens, photography equipment and great walking shoes, photographer Mindy Kerr is ready to capture the images, memories and emotions of the faces and families of St. Johns. With a preference for focusing in on those magical moments in natural light, Mindy prefers working outdoors amidst nature and the beautiful landscapes of Northern Florida. “People are more natural outdoors, more candid and not restricted by glaring lights or the four walls of a studio. This is where the magic happens! It’s my job to recognize the emotions of love, laughter, sorrow and joy that reflect the most precious moments in life. Whether we’re rolling in the grass or on top of a mountain, my lens becomes part of preserving that moment and that story forever.” As a retired preschool teacher of 17 years, Mindy has an infinite amount of love, patience, and creativity for those unpredictable and delightful moments of candor. Photo sessions are available for children, seniors, family members, reunions, special occasions, parties, graduations, weddings, pets, maternity shoots and business events. “Photographs let memories withstand the test of time.” Contact Mindy Kerr at 407 850-8358.

Room by Room Interiors

Durbin Community Connections

Judith Fox-Goldstein, “Word by Word”- Get Inspired! Get Hired!

Grow Your Local business Meetings are held weekly

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Thursdays at 8:45am, Durbin Crossing South Amenity Center 145 S Durbin Pkwy, St Johns, FL 32259

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Mindy Kerr

Freelance Writer, Communications Specialist, Editor and Resume Consultant, Judith relocated to St. Johns from the Big Island of Hawaii with her husband, Michael. Program developer and Administrator with the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Judith is now dedicating her professional time to her passion for writing. Contact: jude2hawaii@yahoo.com

If you would like to learn more about how toMagazine become a member of Durbin Community Connections please contact St. Johns 904-687-8538 Chris Morrison of Investment Management Group at chris7morrison@gmail.com or call 904-472-5967

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♦ weddings ♦ sweet sixteen ♦ family portraits ♦ special occasions

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Living with a Caveman

Paleo Diet

by Xiomara Spadafora

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In 2010, my husband had a massive heart attack at age 50, regardless of his fit lifestyle. When this happened, I was five months pregnant and the thought of not being there for me still haunts him. He is always looking for ways to stay healthy and decided to try the Paleo-Diet to improve his overall health. For the past few months he has removed all processed foods and eaten only lean meats, fresh fruits, and non-starchy vegetables. The Paleo-Diet encourages people, to follow the nutritional regiment humans consumed millions of years ago, and avoid the man-made foods that are proven to cause heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and cancer as well as other diseases. At first, I thought one day I might find him dressed in a leopard leotard, armed with a bow and arrow, hunting deer in the woods of our community! But after two months, he already feels the changes, and so do I. The first benefit of the Paleo regiment is a dramatic decrease of his food allergies. The uncomfortable sensation of constant bloating that kept him up at night, is in the past, because now he sleeps like a baby. Before, he had to sit upright in his lounge chair until two in the morning, regardless what he ate. My benefit? I sleep better too, because his phlegmatic cough doesn’t wake me in the middle of the night like the “Vrom, Vrom, Vrom” from a tractor running through a wall. The second major benefit is that we can share the kitchen in harmony. Since he is not eating carbs, I no longer find millions of crumbs of toasted bread all over the counter. I can prepare my breakfast and my son’s lunch bag in peace. Unfortunately, the

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stove and the coffee maker station are still a mess, but asking him to change that is like asking an apple tree to give lemons. He is cooking his protein on Sundays–several pounds of turkey breasts and sausage on the grill outside on the patio. So, if the darn things goes up in flames–like this past Sunday–I don’t care, because there are not kitchen cabinets to ruin. The third benefit–my husband still insists it is not that important–is the weight loss. He shed at least six pounds and he can feel it in his clothes. Therefore, he walks around the house exhibiting his flat tummy, posing like a Macy’s catalog model with the casual, goofy faces. An extra bonus, greatly appreciated, is that because he is slimmer, he doesn’t feel the need to work out like a maniac every day. This has reduced the pile of clothes to wash and fold from the size of Mount Everest to a little Florida hill. I can actually use the counter in my laundry room for the groceries when I get back from the store. I have to confess, I doubted he would stick to the Paleo Diet, but now that he did, I don’t want him to quit. He looks and feels great, healthy and full of energy. I am living with a caveman and I love it, as long as he shaves. Xiomara Spadafora ...xiomaraspadafora.com .....info@xiomaraspadafora.com Since I moved to the States from Columbia in 2005, I left my passion for writing packed in a suitcase. Then, my hands started itching and it wasn’t money; it was the need to write again. I created my blog isjustanotherday.com So remember, it’s never too late to start doing something that makes us happy !

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Datil Jelly--My birthday present this summer, a novel based on the Minorcans, homemade datil jelly, cream cheese, and crackers. Minorcan Birthday Heaven!

The Datil Pepper Spice Up Your Cuisine With

a Local Favorite by Jennifer Yarbrough

Hey, y’all! I have been writing for St. Johns Magazine since February and have had the honor of interviewing many amazing members of our community and writing about things that are happening right here in Northwest St. Johns Well, Mrs. Debbie, my Publisher has asked me to write something a little County. more personal, so, here it is. This is the November Food Issue, so I wanted to write to you about one of my all- time favorite, super local, hot-hot-hot food items: the Datil Pepper! Y’all, I could eat Datils in one form or another all day—Datil sauce on my eggs for breakfast, Datil sauce again on my turkey sandwich for lunch and some Datil pepper vinegar on my greens or spinach for dinner! What is a Datil Pepper, you ask? I am here to tell you all about my love for them and 'pepper' in some facts while we’re at it. Local legend says that the Minorcans brought the Datil Pepper to the area in the late 1700s. Woah, writer lady, what’s a Minorcan? Well, you are “talking” to one, or the descendant of one, and that might be the reason I have a spicy relationship with these peppers. Minorcans were a group of indentured servants primarily from Minorca, Spain, an island in the Mediterranean, brought to New Smyrna Beach in 1768, by Dr. Andrew Turnbull to work on his indigo plantation. Well, what the Minorcans originally thought of as an opportunity turned into a disaster. The brave Minorcans (who also had Italians, Greeks, Corsicans and French in their ranks) fled abuses in New Smyrna and sought safety in St. Augustine. The

walk was long and difficult, many died; the ones who survived became part of the tapestry that is St. Augustine, and my peeps. Modern research has shown that while the Minorcans grew Datil peppers and created many recipes with them they may not have brought them here. One such story is that the pepper was brought here by jelly maker, SB Vallas in 1880. No matter what the origin, every Minorcan family has a Datil sauce recipe, and if they share it with you, you should count yourself lucky, ‘cause we are very protective of our sauce! How does one eat a Datil Pepper, especially since it’s about the same heat as a habanero on the Scoville scale? The answer: very carefully. While some restaurants in St. Augustine have started offering the raw peppers dipped in chocolate, I would suggest you start with a mild pepper jelly, then move up to a mild sauce and/or a smidge of pepper vinegar on your greens. A great idea for the upcoming holiday season—put out a dish of cream cheese topped with datil pepper jelly and a side of crackers—it will be a hit. You are going to love the flavor of these peppers—as my grandma used to say, they’re like the Minorcans—spicy, but sweet, a unique and memorable flavor for sure!

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Marineland Art & Nature sea air, a paint brush and a blank Workshop The canvas – the perfect Saturday morning. by Debbie Gaylord

Situated along the coast just south of Matanzas inlet on a barrier island is Marineland Dolphin Adventure, an oceanarium and conservation field station, dedicated to research and education about marine life in Northern Florida. Marineland has recently teamed up with Ocean Art Gallery to offer a series of workshops including acrylic painting and photography classes through December 2015. Each workshop is taught by professional artists and photographers. I recently had the privilege of attending the acrylic painting workshop taught by local artist Stewart Maxcy, who is well known for his works focusing on sea life such as turtles, manatees and sharks, and stunning sea landscapes. Stewart’s art is on display at Ocean Art Gallery in Flagler Beach and in many public and private collections throughout Florida. We began our class with a walk across the road to the intracoastal where Stewart pointed out the flora, fauna and play of light we would later use in our landscape painting. “Take a mental picture,” he suggested. On our way back to our classroom at Marineland we were able to see a mother and baby dolphin as well as injured and rehabilitated dolphins and sea turtles who live at Marineland. During our workshop Stewart led our group by demonstrating acrylic painting techniques such as how to create depth, layering and brush strokes to create clouds, water and tall grass. It was at first intimidating in that I had never painted a landscape and felt the example was beyond my ability. But Stewart’s easy going instructions made it fun as well as educational. As we stood back to admire our work about midway through we noticed that each painting expressed the same subject uniquely. I left feeling I had not only created a beautiful painting but had learned how to view a landscape or image with an artist’s eye and how to recreate it as a painting. I cannot think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning than painting at Marineland. If you are interested learning more about Art & Nature Workshops at Marineland Dolphin Adventure please call or visit…..Marineland Dolphin Adventure 9600 Oceanshore Blvd. St. Augustine, Fl 32080 904-471-1111

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Friday, November 13, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m./Photography Saturday, December 12, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m./Acrylic Painting

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Recent History of Pet Vaccination Protocols PART TWO

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Palencia Pet Clinic

The “Right” to Tether a Dog by Dr. Peter Veling

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

There is controversy at the Saint Johns County Commisioners meeting as reported by the Saint Augustine Record on September 25, 2015. It seems that Jeb Smith doesn’t like to tether a dog in the back of a truck. In Saint Johns County there are regulations about the size of the chain that can be used in tethering. According to County Commisioner Jeb Smith the current law restricting tethering is a demonstration of “overregulation.” He is trying to eliminate the current requirements because people will take care of their own. Apparently, as a farmer, he wants to be able to tie his dog where ever and whenever he wants, regardless of what is best for his dog. It is his dog and he doesn’t want to be told how to take care of it. I voted for this man. His son came to my home to encourage me to vote for him. He handed me a brochure. The brochure sounded good. I voted for him - my mistake, apparently. It just goes to show you that you can’t tell a book by its… brochure. The reason I feel that he is wrong is very simple. As a veterinarian, I maintain that dogs deserve to be protected from people (even their owners) who make poor judgements. A while ago I was driving down a four lane highway at dusk. In front of me was a Ford F150 with a German Shepherd in the back. It was pacing back and forth as the truck went down the road at 55 miles per hour. A traffic light slowed us down. The dog braced itself as the truck slowed. A person walked across the highway at the light. The Shepherd barked and lunged at the person. The driver ignored the dog and proceeded when the light turned green. As he accelerated, the dog jumped over the side. The driver did not see it. It reached the end of the tether just over the side of the truck and cartwheeled over and over still attached to the truck, until the rope broke. It got up and ran

into the woods when the owner stopped the truck. The owner called after the dog and chased it. Since it could run from the owner I knew the dog was okay and left. The dog knew a good opportunity to change owners when it saw it. I have also seen a Cocker Spaniel with a broken neck from riding in the back of a truck and falling out. It died before help could be obtained. All it takes is a raccoon, cat, or another dog going along near the road and the dog is gone. Every veterinarian has seen people risk their pet’s life carelessly. Pets belong in a crate or in the cab when riding in a truck. On this issue, Jeb Smith is dead wrong. The pet may just be dead. Please attend the next county meeting and tell him so.

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