St johns mag october 2015

ST.JOHNS Local Business

Local People

Local Events

MAGA ZINE

FAll Fun Guide!!

OCTOBER 2015

Celebrating Life in St. Johns!

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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October 2015

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.

Special thanks to our team of local contrbutors Debbie Gaylord - Publisher & Darren Rosenbaum - Editor Contributors: Jennifer Yarborough, Jennifer Logue, Dr. Peter Veling WWW.STJOHNSMAG.COM

Dear Reader,

The day I learned my son Jake had Autism, a debilitating disease without a known cause or definitive treatments, I was devastated and scared. Jake was two at the time and Autism has lead our entire family down a kind of rabbit hole of alternative treatments including, biomedical interventions, neurologists, applied-behavior-analysis, play therapy and a host of other phantom treatments to no avail.

Having a child with special needs is not only filled with challenges regarding health and therapy needs but has affected our family’s social interactions.

People often do not realize Jake has a disability because on the outside he looks like any twelve year-old. When he picks up food off the ground and sticks it in his mouth, has a tantrum at the grocery store, or stares blankly when a well-intentioned stranger asks him to stop hugging them, I say, “I’m sorry, he has Autism”.

People usually empathize but years ago most people did not know about Autism. Thankfully times are changing and awareness is better than ever thanks to grassroots efforts in our communities and the work done in our schools. I am most grateful to Jake’s public school teachers, dedicated professionals who are the real experts on Autism because they are on the forefront healing our kids each and every day.

In this issue, I am excited to share information about two important local programs, connected to our schools, which enhance the lives of people with special needs. Both programs go beyond science and get to the heart of engaging our children who are often locked inside their own minds. The Best Buddies program focuses on building friendships between special needs children and their typical peers, increasing awareness and compassion within our society. The St. Johns Public School Music Therapy Program, sponsored by the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra brings joy through experiential learning to kids as well as their families who see the long term benefits.

Debbie Gaylord Publisher, St. Johns Magazine P.S. Please enjoy our Fall Family Fun Calendar!

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St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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Sykes & Cooper Farms Corn Maze

The Corn Maze at Sykes and Cooper Farms is a family affair. Located in Elkton, the farm was originally a potato farm owned by the Grandfather and Dad of current owners Bucky Sykes & Cheryle Cooper. A few years ago the family was approached by a company that creates corn mazes and they decided to use their fields for a corn maze during the month of October and see where it lwould lead. Each family member has a responsibility, with Cheryle running operations, Rachel (Cheryle’s daughter) in charge of Field Trips (hundreds) and Bucky overseeing Maze planting and growing. Now in its fifth year, Sykes and Cooper Farms is one of northern Florida best known and loved corn mazes and its only about twenty minutes from northern St. Johns!

A corn maze is a giant puzzle with loops and dead ends that is cut into a cornfield. At Sykes and Cooper Farms Corn Maze, families can enjoy the outdoors and get in the spirit of the Fall season with hay rides, sunflower fields, a pumpkin patch, live music and many other fun activities. Another fun activity at Sykes and Cooper is seeing the farm animals, including pigs (Miss Piggy), goats, ponies, cattle and chickens that will melt your heart. It is a complete experience that children will remember for a lifetime.

Rachel Cooper says they made every effort to keep rates low because they want families to be able to afford it.

The 2015 maze is cut in the shape of a few alligators as part of a collaboration with The St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Saturday October 17th is reserved for CROCtober Fest with The St. Augustine Alligator Farm! In addition to exploring the maze, visitors are invited to take photos with live alligators, snakes and even a mermaid! There will be a live animal show in the afternoon! All proceeds go to benefit several international crocodilian conservation projects.

What You Need to Know...

When? Fridays through Sundays, from October 3 to October 25, 2015. Fridays: 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sundays: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last ticket sold at 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Where? 5995 Brough Road in Elkton, FL 32033 (a few miles off I-95 and only twenty minutes from northern St. Johns) Admission: General Admission is $9 for adults (ages 3 to 64), $7 for senior citizens (65+) and military, while children two and under are free. Tickets are cash only, but an ATM is available for use at the farm.

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St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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Senior Living Tips

Helpful Apps for Tech-Savvy Seniors

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By Jennifer Logue, Firstlight Home Care, Palencia

illennials may think of themselves as the “iPhone Generation,” but more and more seniors are embracing smart phones, tablets and other new technologies. The Pew Research Center reports more than half of all senior Americans use the internet, and approximately three quarters use a cell phone. Some seniors, however, may not be aware of the wide variety of smart phone and table applications – or “apps” – available for download through the Apple Store or the Google Play store.

Here are just a few of the thousands of apps available for download that may make seniors’ lives easier and more enjoyable:

Health Apps Studies show that as many as one-third of medication prescriptions never get filled. That’s where the GetMyRx app comes in. Available for free download, this handy app allows users to scan their prescription into their smart phone – and within a few hours, their prescription is delivered to their door at no additional charge. Other popular health apps available include HeartWise Blood Pressure Tracker and Web MD.

For the Visually Impaired Having a hard time reading the small print in that newspaper, book or restaurant menu? Simply download one of many free magnifying glass apps and your cell phone will enlarge the text to a comfortable size. The Big Calculator app offers a large-print number pad, while Silver Surf is a free web browsing program that features large navigation buttons and large-print text.

Cooking Ever go to the grocery store and realize you forgot the list of ingredients for that new recipe? Download one of the many cooking/recipe apps available to your smart phone and you’ll have access to complete recipes at your fingertips. Two of the more popular cooking apps are All Recipes – which features thousands of recipes and reviews from home chefs – and Epicurious.

Games and Entertainment From music and books to puzzles and sports, you name it: there’s an app for it! Read books on your phone or tablet with iBooks, play Words with Friends or Scrabble or create your own personal Pandora radio station that plays only your favorite songs.

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St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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 http://www. firstlighthomecare.com.

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SAiRA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL Sunday, October 4th from noon to 4 p.m. at the River House

Our country seems enamored by freshness, unique flavors and regional cuisine, rightfully so. Innovative cuisine coupled with Florida’s array of

fresh produce and seafood make local eateries a vibrant part of the city’s attraction and culture. Nearly 20 established, independently owned restaurateurs recognized the allure and opportunity to collaborate and join together to promote the impact of “dining locally.” St. Augustine’s Independent Restaurant Association, better known as SAiRA, was born in 2007, into a heavily competitive marketplace. The mission of SAiRA is to encourage, support, and enhance the visibility for independently owned businesses and continually advance St. Augustine’s unique culinary and cultural diversity. The desire to keep funds local and working in our community extends to the group’s passion to collectively give back.

So why not spend an afternoon with SAiRA and sample local cuisine at its finest; all in one place. As the pinnacle of a foodie haven’s SAiRA’s

6th Annual Food & Wine Festival will commence on Sunday, October 4th from noon to 4 p.m. at the River House. Guests will wine and dine in one of the city’s most elegant waterfront locations—all to benefit the local Boys & Girls Club. With selections from 17 of the city’s best local independent restaurants, craft cocktails, local beer and more than 100 wines from around the world will taunt even the most discerning taste buds. New features to the event this year will include a seafood raw bar, expanded craft beer, cocktails and sparkling wine selections plus a chance to win a $25,000 shopping spree at Blue Waters Jewelers.

Tickets are limited so guests who have enjoyed this event in the past know to buy their tickets early. All proceeds benefit The Boys & Girls Club

(BGC) of St. Augustine and its youth enrichment & prevention programs. www. StAugustineRestaurants.com

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St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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2014 Advisory Board Members at the Best Buddies Bet on Friendships event, L to R, Pat Brock, Jason Sessions, Dennis Wilson, Cole Slate and Area Director Erika Hatch.

Hometown Hero with a Big Heart Best Buddies St. Johns

Sometimes life brings us full circle & allows us to give back in powerful ways. Cole Slate’s experiences with Best Buddies in high school channeled his passion into helping people with disabilities for years to come.

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ou may have heard about the teens with Down Syndrome who became the Queen and King of their prom, or the young man with Autism who helps the basketball team at his school. But what does it take to break down the social barriers that exist for young people with special needs?

Enter Best Buddies, a non-profit organization that pairs people with special needs with typical peers, fostering friendship, socialization, job coaching and leadership for participants. Kids with disabilities benefit through acceptance and inclusion, and their typical peers benefit by exposure to exceptionalities. Best Buddies is an international program offered in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. (See www.BestBuddies.org for all programs)

Local business leader Cole Slate, a REALTOR® with EXIT Real Estate Gallery, is passionate about the organization and puts a lot of energy into engaging the local community. Cole has been involved with Best Buddies ever since he was a high school student at Bartram Trail, where he was President of the local chapter. During college he continued working with people with special needs and was an intern at the Arc of Alachua County. When he returned to St. Johns he was a paraprofessional for ESE students at Liberty Pines Elementary. Once again, his life brought him full circle, and today Cole continues to support Best Buddies through fundraising and awareness efforts as the Best Buddies Jacksonville Advisory Board Chairman.

As Best Buddies Executive Director Erika Hatch says, “Cole’s individual efforts as the chairman of the Advisory Board have contributed to the making of hundreds of friendships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His heart is as big as his truck!” (A reference to Cole’s monster truck you may have seen around town).

Cole says he has always loved spending time with people with special needs, and treats them exactly like he treats others so they do not feel excluded. “To be quite honest, I can’t remember far back enough to when I had a different perspective on people with special needs. I have been working, and volunteering with people with special needs since I was in second grade.”

He attributes his attitude to a twist of fate that has affected him subconsciously. His mother, who was an elementary teacher, was told during her pregnancy that her baby was going to have such severe Down Syndrome that he wasn’t supposed to survive. But she decided to proceed with the pregnancy and ultimately Cole was fine. Knowing that he could be in their shoes has made all the difference in how Cole perceives the world. “Best Buddies provides intangible benefits. Just seeing first-hand

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the happiness, smiles, and excitement on a buddy’s faces during an activity is worth every minute.”

Cole’s involvement with Best Buddies has not only created lifelong friendships with former buddies like Trey and Christian whom he sometimes sees at Best Buddies events now, but has also inspired him to give back to education by funding a scholarship at his alma mater, the University of Florida, and participating in fundraisers for the program locally.

“Trey was my buddy in high school. Unfortunately, we lost touch for a bit because he moved and I went to college; BUT coincidentally enough, he called me the other day!! Apparently he is living back in St. Augustine. Christian is another “buddy” of mine, from my BTHS years. We were not paired-up, but he was in the program. He actually went with me to the Best Buddies bowling event a couple weeks ago.”

With an ever increasing number of people with special needs in the world, Best Buddies and the successful young locals like Cole Slate, who support these programs, are an inspiration that make our communities a better place to live.

If you would like to get involved, there is a chapter of the Best Buddies program at Creekside High School and coming soon there is a possibility that there will be an Ambassador chapter at Bartram Trail. Two fundraisers are held locally each year, in October – Bet on Friendship: Casino Night and in May The Friendship Walk. www.bestbuddiesflorida.org

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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The

Magic

E

of Music Therapy

ven though my son Jake cannot speak, when I turn on music he begins to dance and

Valley and Valley Ridge Academy in addition to Cunningham Creek, the hub school in

sway and his face reflects a deep happiness. Jake has autism and was a student at

SJC for children with special needs. Since the program's inception in 2006, the overall

Cunningham Creek a few years ago when he participated in a Music Therapy program

goal has been to ensure music therapy as an integral part of the curriculum for children

there. Each week, Minda Gordon, music therapist for the Cultural Center, would visit the classroom and work with the kids as a group. At the end of the year the students performed a concert that proved there was something magical happening in St. Johns.

Thanks to the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, young people with spe-

with special needs. Dedicated Cultural Center board member and Principal at Ocean Palms, Jessica Richardson has witnessed the benefits of the program first hand. “I have seen students who are easily overwhelmed and overstimulated, settled by music. I have

cial needs at elementary schools here are receiving the benefits of Music Therapy. This

watched students who are non-verbal come to life through learning to play the piano or

amazing local program began with a small pilot, music therapy at Cunningham Creek

a hand drum. The Cultural Center has actively pursued the expansion of Music Therapy

Elementary School, with just 10 hours a week with

in our schools because they too recognize the

Minda Gordon. A fund raising team consisting of

positive impact this program can have in the

a compassionate staff and board of directors at the

lives of the students in our community.”

Cultural Center, and a generous major donor, The

Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the

The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra will

present its fall event benefiting the Music

Arts, Inc made it possible. Nine years later and still

Therapy Program on October 17th at the

fully funded through the Cultural Center, the pro-

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. The concert fea-

gram has flourished to serve music therapy for 32 hours a week and serves over 900 children.

tures Deborah Henson-Conant, a GRAMMY

A relatively new approach, music ther-

nominated recording artist, in her debut

apy provides a way for students who find it difficult

performance on the First Coast, wielding a

to communicate to express themselves through music. According to the Music Therapy

chrome 32-string "HipHarp" designed and invented exclusively by her. "She's the Jimi

Association, research supports its effectiveness in many areas such as: overall physical

Hendrix of the harp!" says rock legend Steve Vai. You've never heard anything like Hi-

rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people's motivation to become engaged, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings.

Children with special needs often face challenges with auditory processing,

sensory-motor, fine motor skills and self-expression, all of which are improved through

pHarp.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.ccpvb.org . For more information,

please contact Toni Boudreaux at 280-0614 ext. 202 The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra

listening to, playing and singing music.

Beach, Florida 32082 with a tax ID# ID# 59-3238148. A portion of the proceeds will

directly benefit Music Therapy for Children with Special Needs outreach program.

The Cultural Center’s Music Therapy Program for St. Johns County is now

in four public elementary schools including Rawlings, Ocean Palms, Ponte Vedra/Palm

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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OCTOBER Fun guide September 25- November 1 Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch & Fun Zone Toddler Zone NEW!; Leaf Room NEW! Hayrides; Bounce House; Petting Zoo Cow Train; Mega Slide Play Area Corn Maze; Air Powered Pumpkin Cannon; Picture Taking Zones; Mini Games, Funnel Cakes; Sno Cones - for details: www.TommysPumpkinPatch.com October 1 - 31 Kidgits BooBash event at the Avenues Mall Halloween is here and Simon Malls is inviting all little ghouls, goblins and boo’tiful princesses to come have a spooktacular time at our Kidgits BooBash event. www.simon.com/mall/theavenues/stream/kidgits-boobash October 2 Brew at the Zoo Delicious food and drink vendors from around Jacksonville, live music, games, and more in the amazing setting of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Tickets required www.jacksonvillezoo.org October 2 First Friday Art Walk Jax Hemming park www.jacksonvilleartwalk.com October 2 First Friday Art Walk St. Augustine www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org October 2-Nov 7 Amazing Grace Crop Maze www.agcropmaze.com October 3 Mandarin United Methodist Craft Fair All hand made items; 100 crafters www.mandarinumc.com October 3 - 25 Sykes & Cooper Corn Maze You don’t want to miss it this year! With a ton of new and exciting things to do, including a “Jack and The Cornstalk” kiddie maze, new furry friends, corn cannons, duck races and MORE, you are sure to have an a-MAZE-ing time at Sykes and Cooper Farms! 5995 Brough Rd • Elkton, FL 32033 Friday: 5pm to 10pm*; Saturday: 10am to 10pm*; Sunday: 11am to 5pm; *Cash only Last ticket sold at 9pm www.sycofarms.com

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www.stjohnsmag.com

October 4 Sea Turtle Festival Noon to 5 p.m at the Riberia Street Marina. www.keepersofthecoast.org

pony races, pony races, 4H exhibits, whip cracking competition and barbecue by Jerry Stalvey.

Admission is $5 per vehicle. for more information 904-669-6186

October 4 SAiRA Food & Wine Festival River House - Wine & Dine with selections from 17 of the best local independent resuaurants www.stAugustineRestaurants.com

Oct 17, 18, 24, 25 11-7 Mandarin Road Fall Farm Festival www.mandarinroadfestival.com

October 9-11 St. Augustine Greek Festival www.stauggreekfest.com October 9, 10, 11 & 16, 17, Cattyshack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary Haunted Forest.

Fun games and crafts for the kids under our main tent and each kid will go home with a candy bag! *See website for times and pricing. www.cattyshack.org/event/haunted-forest October 10 & 11 Mandarin Farmers and Arts Market, Family Fall Festival, 5-8 p.m., with trick or treating, food, games, music and animal petting. 10601 San Jose Blvd. www.mandarinfarmersmarket.com.

October 3- Nov 7 Conner's A-Maize-ing Acres 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 21, 19856 County Road 121, Hilliard. www.connerscornfieldmaze.com.

October 9 & 10 Jaxtoberfest www.Jaxtoberfest.com October 15 -15 St. George & The Dragon A play at Christ Episcopal Church www.comefaceyourdragons.com October 17 HipHarp Benefit Concert 7:30 pm Ponte Vedra Concert Hall To Beneift the Music Therapy Program at St. Johns Public SchoolsFor Tickets and more information www.ccpvb.org October 17 Cracker Day St. Johns County Fairgrounds. Pole bending, cloverleaf, pick up race, arena race, sack race, cow

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

October 18 Taste of the Beach - St. Augustine Noon - 6 p.m. at St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion.

Live music, beer, wine, soft drinks and delicious food will be available. Proceeds benefit the Betty Griffin House, a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. www.thecivicassociation.org October 22-24, 2015 at 7pm Bram Stoker’s Dracula Bartram TRail High School Tickets are $10/person and are on sale now.

To purchase email ava.fixel@stjohns.k12.fl.us 904-547-8340, ext.2257 (theatre dept.)

Remaining tickets will be sold at the door one hour prior to each performance. Bartram Trail High School, 7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway St. Johns, FL October 23, 24, 25 Unique Boutique Unique Boutique is the Junior League of Jacksonville’s 3-day shop-for-a cause celebration to benefit our local community endeavors that will feature unique- and boutique- merchants. Come and join us in this fun & worthwhile event! www.jljacksonville.org/unique-boutique October 24, 2015: DogFest Walk ‘n Roll Hosted by Canine Companions for Independence. www.mandarinmuseum.net

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! For Even More Fun Things to do visit www.stjohnsmag.com

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Heather Strazinsky is a Realtor with RE/MAX Specialists serving Jacksonville, St. Johns and the surrounding areas. She specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in our community, always going the extra mile for her clients. She has been married for 17 years and has two children. Heather’s personal experiences of moving her family numerous times gives her a deeper understanding of the needs of others.

“I know what home is to family and I know how important it is, whether you are buying or selling, to have a pro on your side.

A real estate transaction is often a very emotional experience. It is a major financial step and one not to be taken in haste. Having moved many times in my life I know how arduous the transition can be and I truly understand what you are going through in making a move.

From relocating, to downsizing, upsizing or finding that perfect second home for getaways or investment…I can help!” Heather believes in giving you her full attention and carefully listening to your needs and wants. For more information please visit rejaxhomes.com or email heather@rejaxhomes.com

Karen Ghannam of Aponos Cleaning

Karen Ghannam is the owner of Aponos Cleaning, a premier local cleaning service with affordable prices and outstanding quality. APONOS provides a solution for families with busy lives by offering quality full house cleaning services based on a schedule that fits your life. They also specialize in top-to-bottom home cleaning for people getting ready to put their home on the market and for those who are moving-in and move-out.

Aponos started providing cleaning services for homes in the St. Johns area in 2012. According to Karen, "I wanted to fill a need in the community for a full service, reliable, conscientious cleaning service”. Karen says Aponos is not just another cleaning company. “We are excellent about listening to our customers and sometimes just listening helps us understand what is causing the mess in their homes and allows us to develop a cleaning plan that works for them”.

Karen is dedicated to developing relationships with her clients based on communication, consistency and trust. "It’s all about relationships! I like helping people feel relaxed and stress free in their home. We are able to provide a healthier living climate where they can relax because they are leaving all the cleaning & maintenance to us. I am very grateful to have met so many wonderful people and I consider them part of my own extended family. We treat their homes – just like our home and that’s a promise I like keeping!"

If you would like a cleaning service like no other you have ever had, contact Karen Ghannam at Aponos at 248-8953784 or aponoscleaningservice@gmail.com

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

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

23

Bartram Trail High School Theatre Department Presents

Bram Stoker’s

Dracula Ben Samples, Gracen Ludke

Photos courtesy of Bartram Trail High School Theatre Dept

A

re you afraid of the mysterious forces that lurk in the night?

Beware the dark side is all

Now the scene is set and you

around us: day and night. are beckoned to attend a theatrical performance of Bram Stoker’s Dracula adapted by John Mattera , Dramatic Publishing,

The novel Dracula by Bram

him from being hypnotized; as well as three female vampires! Dracula is an ancient monster who has come upon the modern world, and those who encounter him must somehow find the courage to fight against him. But victory is not assured…

The Bartram Trail Drama Club

Stoker, was first published in 1897 and

will perform the show on October 22-24

since then the character of Count Dracula

(Thursday-Saturday), 2015 at Bartram

has lived on in the imagination. In this

Trail High School just in time for Hallow-

adaptation, the mysterious Count Dracula

een. Guests are invited to have fun with

has gone to England where he is living on

it and dress in Dracula theme and enjoy a

a large estate next to an insane asylum

Haunted Dracula Corridor, which will open

run by the incredibly naive Dr. Seward. The others that make up the cast of this thriller include Professor Van Helsing who must convince Dr. Seward that Count Dracula is a vampire; Renfield, a fly-eating lunatic who

24

family butler whose poor eyesight saves

an hour before the show begins.

Count Dracula demands

punctuality, so don’t be late. Beware this performance is PG. Please feel free to dress

serves the Count (once too often); beautiful

in Dracula theme.

Lucy Westenra, who has an uncanny resem-

blance to a girl Count Dracula loved over a

will open its doors at 6pm. Dracula will

hundred years ago; Charles, the Westenra

begin at 7pm.

The Haunted Dracula Corridor

Jack Story, Stephen Clarke, Anthony Freed, Ben Samples, Sofia DiMartino

October 22-24, 2015 at 7pm Tickets are $10/person and are on sale now.

To purchase tickets: Email ava.fixel@stjohns.k12.fl.us 904-547-8340, ext.2257 (theatre dept.)

Remaining tickets will be sold at the door one hour prior to each performance.

Bartram Trail High School 7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway St. Johns, FL

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

Book Online with Us & Save

Riverside Tours & Travel 904 -568-7094 I traveljacksonville@yahoo.com www.sandandsun.net St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

& Ocean Art Gallery Will Offer Workshop Series

The twice-monthly workshops are held in the natural setting of

Marineland Dolphin Adventure and offer instruction from two of the area’s top artists, Stewart Maxcy and Ed Siarkowicz, whose artwork is displayed at Ocean Art Gallery. Each four-hour course is open to aspiring artists and photographers of all levels.

“Nature has always served as a great source of inspiration for art-

ists,” said Kurt Allen, vice president and general manager of Marineland Dolphin Adventure. “Marineland’s partnership with Ocean Art Gallery pairs two of the area’s gems, creating a truly unique experience where people can combine their passion for the arts and nature together in one experience.”

ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOPS, held at Marine-

land and along the Intracoastal Waterway, is led by professional artist and well-known educator, Stewart Maxcy. Maxcy believes in learning through laughter more than lecture, which gives him a unique approach to his two passions: teaching and art. Maxcy has extensive knowledge of plants, animals and beaches, and enjoys incorporating his knowledge of both art and science into his workshops. His easy, step-by-step method to teaching painting techniques allow students to use their new knowledge to paint in the future without need for an instructor.

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS are lead by award-

ARTS & CULTURE WORKSHOPS INCLUDE:

Access to Marineland Dolphin Adventure, guidance from professional artists, and a pass good for one free Touch and Feed dolphin interactive program.

Participants must be 16 years of age or older.

winning photographer Ed Siarkowicz. Siarkowicz’s work is featured in the offices of former President George W. Bush, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and U.S. Congressman Ron DeSantis. An innate teacher, Siarkowicz hopes to open students’ eyes to the natural world around them and sharpen not only their photography skills, but also editing and overall photo composition. Taking advantage of the natural setting, participants will take pictures of flowers and wildlife found on-site at Marineland.

In addition to guidance from professional instructors, attendees

have access to Marineland Dolphin Adventure and receive a pass good for one free Touch and Feed dolphin interactive program. The participant whose work is considered the best of the day will receive a pass for a Behind the Seas guided tour of Marineland.

The series offers two workshops per month through the end of 2015

and each workshop is $149 plus tax. To register or get more details, visit Marineland.net.

Leslie Taylor REALTOR • Watson Realty Corp Top Producing Multi-Million Dollar Agent

2015 PROGRAM SCHEDULE Friday, October 9, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m./Photography Saturday, October 24, 2015 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m./Acrylic Painting 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

• Watson Realty Corp President’s Award • Winner of Jacksonville Homebuyer’s Magazine 5 Star Realtor Award

904.859.9669/094.268.3300 leslietaylor@watsonrealtycorp.com

www.leslietaylorsellshomes.com

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

27

Recent History of Pet Vaccination Protocols PART TWO

A Message from The Vet Dr. Veling, DVM Palencia Pet Clinic

As I have said in previous articles about cats and vaccinations, in the early 1980s killed vaccines became the norm for many cat vaccinations. Killed vaccines have a large amount of dead virus with a chemical called an adjuvant. Adjuvant is a chemical, in theory, that attracts the attention of the immune system to the site of vaccination. In this way the immune system accidentally finds the dead virus and eliminates it, producing immunity.

Over the next 30 years, fibrosarcomas came up where the vaccinations were given. The University of Pennsylvania was the first to figure this out. If the tumor comes up where the vaccine is given, the vaccine induced the tumor. These tumors did not occur before 1985.

Because of fibrosarcomas , experts in immunology started to question if vaccines were necessary on an annual basis. They found that the annual schedule is not necessary. The exception to this rule is Rabies protection for cats. The law requires this vaccine to be given by a veterinarian. The veterinarian has the right to recommend which vaccine and how often it should be used. For cats, most three year rabies vaccines are a danger because they are killed, adjuvanted vaccines. There is a three year vaccine from Merial that is non-adjuvanted. It is very expensive. The one year Merial vaccine is more affordable. It does not have adjuvant and is not killed. I have been using this vaccine for 15 years without a single lump, much less a fibrosarcoma.

There are veterinarians who do not believe that killed vaccines are the source of these fibrosarcomas. The World Health Organization has classified adjuvant as a Class 3 carcinogen. Before the surgeon general’s report came out in 1963, there were medical doctors who “drank the kool-aid” from the cigarette companies and did not believe smoking

28

caused cancer. These MDs slowly died off (probably from smoking-induced cancer).

So, how should vaccines be used for pets without increasing risk by overusing vaccines? There are guidelines for veterinarians. For cats, the guidelines were produced, starting in 1998, by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). The AAFP recommends that vaccines for kittens include feline distemper and at least herpesvirus and calicivirus every three to four weeks starting at 6 to 8 weeks until 16 weeks or later.

This needs to be boostered one year later. Rabies is given after 12 weeks and before 6 months of age. It is repeated a year later. Rabies depends on the vaccine used. Leukemia Virus vaccines are recommended for all kittens and indoor/outdoor cats.

For dogs, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommend puppies be vaccinated every 3 to 4 weeks starting at 6 to 8 weeks for Distemper and Parvovirus, etc. Rabies is done as with cats above.

These are boostered one year later. Viruses are vaccinated every three years.

Rabies is every three years for adult dogs. Bordetella and Leptospirosis are used if the pet’s lifestyle and area warrant their use. The viral diseases are recommended to be boostered every three years. That is the recommended schedule at this time.

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

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

29

Back to the Gym

by Geoff Thomas Head Trainer, Orangetheory Fitness Jacksonville AFAA Certified Personal Trainer

W

ith summer ending and the kids back in school, most of us are getting back into the routine of the school year and leaving the chaos of summer behind. One of your goals for this fall should be to make fitness part of that routine.

Working out with consistency is important for your physical health. Running for five miles on one day only to avoid exercising for the next two weeks will only leave you feeling sore. It is too straining for the body to experience sporadic spurts of strenuous exercise. For optimal results, you will want to build up to higher and higher levels of cardiovascular strength, flexibility and strength training. A gradual increase in intensity will allow your muscles, tendons and ligaments a chance to adjust to the strains and challenges of a fitness regimen.

A consistent workout regimen reduces stress and increases your mental well being as

well. When you work out regularly, your body releases endorphins that enhance your mood. You have probably experienced these positive feelings after finishing a cardiovascular workout. You might also find that when you go for days or weeks of not exercising, your energy level decreases and your mood is not as heightened.

Orangetheory Fitness’ 60-minute workout designed to to take the guess work out of fitness and fit into that routine. 1 hour of your day (about 4% of a 24 hour period) that you can devote to getting into the best shape of your life. Orangetheory Fitness sessions are made for all fitness levels and have class times to fit the busiest of schedules. Let us put together a plan for you and you can tackle the school year a fitter, better you.

Warm, Compassionate, Affordable Care

904-824-1622 Excellent, warm, friendly, compassionate care, and life-long health for your pet

Dr. PeterVeling, DVM Owner & Veternarian

159 Palencia Village Drive, Suite 101 (next to Starbucks at Palencia) Mon, Tues & Thurs 8am-6pm, Wed 8am-12 Noon, Fri 8am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-12Noon

www.palenciapetclinic.com 30

St. Johns Magazine 904-687-8538

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