St. Johns Magazine October 2023

Cover by Ozzy Trevino Photography

Cover by Ozzy Trevino Photography

ST.JOHNs

Publisher & Creative Director

Debbie Gaylord debbie@stjohnsmag.com

www.stjohnsmag.com

904-687-8538

Photographer/Partner

Ozzy Trevino

Ozzy Trevino Photography

Pets/Partner

Dr. Deckard

Pets R Family Food Blogger/Partner Lori Allen @MywanderingFork

To Adverttise contact: Eric Wolf eric@stjohnsmag.com 904-567-7401

About Us

St. Johns Magazine is dedicated to covering the topics readers care aboutfrom hometown stories and community spotlighs to food, health & business. St. Johns Magazine is designed to engage readers and inspire them to enjoy the good life in Northern St. Johns!

All rights reserved

©2012-2023

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

Mother and Daughter Team Jill & Sierra Flores are creating a legacy of excellence in home decor & design

Magazine read the full article on page 8

THANK YOU NORTHERN ST. JOHNS

Hello!

Fall is here, the weather is fine and life is good! I am so excited to share our October issue - the annual Art Issue. Did you know we have been doing the Art Issue for almost ten years? I love sharing the work of local artists. Also in this issue, please enjoy learning about featured local business and cover partner Closet Factory and all the amazing things they can do for your home.

Our goal with St. Johns Magazine has always been connecting the growing communities of northern St. Johns. We welcome our readers to submit editorial ideas about interesting and positive happenings, special people, accomplishments, reviews, and events for our calendar. Feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions or feedback about St. Johns Magazine.

A heartfelt thank you to our local sponsors who make the magazine possible - please remember to let them know you found them here!

Thank You!

Debbie Gaylord Publisher

We have created a new Facebook Group where neighbors can share information and get to know each other. We need you to post to make it great! Scan to Join!

When you join the SJM HUB Facebook group during October you are eligible to win a $20 Gift Card to BrassTacks in Fruit Cove

CLOSET FACTORY

Mother and Daughter Team

Jill & Sierra Flores

Creating a Legacy of Excellence in Home Decor & Design

Local business owners and motherdaughter team Jill and Sierra Flores talked for years about starting a family business. They were looking for one they could be passionate about that would also incorporate their talents and most importantly create a legacy for Sierra to carry on in the future. After doing a lot of research they discovered the ideal company in the Closet Factory. It was unique because it was a franchise with a

reputation for excellence nationally and many of its local owners were legacies made up of families running the business together and passing it down.

“There is something special about multigenerational family-owned businesses where parents work side-by-side with their children to create a legacy for future generations,” says Jill.

This mother-daughter team brings friendly enthusiasm and warmth to everything they do. With a long career in real estate and property management, Jill oversees the business side, while Sierra is the Lead Designer overseeing a team of eight. The business is rounded out by an in-house team of carpenters who custom-make all the wood pieces in their shop and installers who complete projects.

Photos by Ozzy Trevino Photography

Photos by Ozzy Trevino Photography

Customer Service and Craftsmanship

Closet Factory designers are problem solvers who help people organize their space with inspiration and clarity, and are the first to meet with clients to evaluate their needs and vision. Projects range from closet design to pantries, home offices, entertainment centers, wall beds, garage organization, wine rooms, and more, using a wide range of materials from basic white melamine to fully stained hardwood. If clients are unsure where to begin, designers come with an idea book of past projects to help them envision the possibilities. This hands-on approach ensures client’s expectations are fully realized.

Take a look inside the Closet Factory onsite workshop and you will see the care and dedication of the expert carpenters that goes into every project. Jill says she loves it when people have a great but unusual idea. She brings it to the operations manager, who has over thirty years of experience in custom cabinetry, and he always says, yes we can do it!

Recently a family had extra space in their home and wanted to create a wine nook from scratch. The team listened to their needs, created a one-of-a-kind design, and then let the workshop do its magic by customizing it. The family was thrilled with the results.

Popular Projects &Trends Now

Sierra says one of the most popular projects right now is entertainment centers, where families spend most of their leisure time.

“A beautiful centerpiece entertainment wall with custom-built cabinets and storage can be a stunning focal point of a room and really transform it,” says Sierra.

Unique projects like wine bars, bourbon rooms, and showpiece wine storage closets give a modern vibe where people can hang out with friends and family in their homes. Closet projects range from giant high-budget closets with glass cabinetry, islands, and custom lighting to a simple closet with one or two custom elements that set it apart.

The team also reinvents pantries by getting rid of the builder-installed wire racks and adding transformative adjustable shelves, spice racks, and baskets. When it comes to color trends, Sierra says that while they see a lot of classic whites there is a shift toward bold colors like blues and greens with younger clientele.

On Being a Woman-Owned Business

Jill and Sierra love owning a business, working together, and creating a legacy for their family. They are passionate about being a woman-owned enterprise. As a way to celebrate this, they are getting ready to launch a podcast called Closets and Cocktails where they will discuss what it is like to own a business as well as interior design tips and trends.

Giving Back

Jill and Sierra both agree giving back to the community is an essential part of their business and they were excited to share the news that the Closet Factory’s national

non-profit called Closet Factory Cares is initiating a new program called Bags for Kids. At no cost to clients, with each new project, they will donate a special bag for foster children in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, and Clay County. The high-quality travel bag is filled with items they can use to go to a new home.

The ultimate goal for these ladies is to make life better for clients. When a project is complete, instead of a jumbled mess or a bland wall, the new space feels structured, stylish, and truly special with the power to replace stress with peace and function. Closet Factory Jacksonville has been in business since May of 2022. With Jill and Sierra Flores at the helm, they are well on the way to reaching their long-term goal of becoming the number-one name in quality custom closet design in North Florida. Both Sierra and Jill agree the sky is the limit when it comes to the future.

Sierra & Jill with the production team in their onsite workshop

Fun

October 1st to-31st Butterfield Garage Invitational

In the spirit of supporting the arts in North East Florida, and exposing our community to artists they may not be familiar with, Butterfield presents its fourth Invitational Exhibition. Ten member artists in Butterfield have invited artists they admire to exhibit work alongside them during the month of October. Many of these artists will be at the gallery during First Friday Artwalk between 5-7pm. Open daily 11-5. & Opening First Friday Gallery Walk Friday, October 6, 11am - 9pm Meet the Guest Artists: 5pm - 7pm.

October 7th

Pets R Family Sixth Annual

BarktoberFEST

Fun and games for people and pets! Live DJ and Beer tent, great food and dessert trucks, raffle prize giveaways, Pet Caricature drawings, bounce house & more! Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital 3035 CR 210 West, St. Johns Florida 32259

November 2023!

Disney s Beauty and the Beast at Bartram Trail High School

Performance Dates: November 2nd, 3rd & 4th at 7:00pm and November 5th at 2:00pm. Bartram Trail High School (Auditorium) 7399 Longleaf Pine Pkwy St Johns, FL 32259. Online tickets

Adults: $15.00 Students: $10.00 (Valid School ID required) https://bit.ly/BTHSBATBTIX

St. Johns County 4-H Program

Registration is now open! 4-H is a youth development program that focuses on the development of life skills, citizenship and leadership. Youth members ages 5-18, as of September 1st, 2023 can enroll in the St. Johns County 4-H program ONLINE by going to: https://v2.4honline. com.Caring adult leaders & volunteers are also being recruited.Club and enrollment information can be found at: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ stjohns/4-h-youth-development/ .4-H office at (904) 209-0430

2023 Live from The Waterworks Fall Concert Series!

The St. Johns Cultural Council and Gamble Rogers Folk Festival present this concert series celebrating the legendary recording artist Gamble Rogers, whose balladry and storytelling shaped American folk music. 3rd Saturday of each month at 7 PM. Tickets are $20 - $25 on Eventbrite. Purchase a premium ticket package for $100, which includes admission to all three fall concerts below, premium seating in the first three rows, sponsor recognition, and a complimentary beverage at each show. October 21st: The Driftwoods featuring Christian Ward with The Taildraggers. November 18th: Jordan Tice with Noan Partly. December 16th: John Paul White with Hadley Parrish-Cotton

Happy Halloween!

Leading the way in emergency care

Open 24/7 for emergency care at locations near you

When you need care quickly — Ascension St. Vincent’s ERs are here 24/7 and backed by leading heart, surgical and trauma specialists who listen to quickly understand and care for your needs. Before you leave, our ER care team connects you to your follow-up care, including specialist appointments, labs, imaging and Ascension Rx or your preferred pharmacy.

Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County Emergency Room

205 Trinity Way #ER St. Johns, FL 32259 904-293-1796

To find your nearest Ascension St. Vincent’s ER or chat with us, visit ascension.org/StVincentsCare

As a therapist, I help clients from all walks of life feel, function, and communicate better; teaching them the skills they need to access their own resiliency and strength, empowering them to be their own best advocates and to mindfully create the lives they desire.

"My work celebrates the journey of the creative process, born from concepts and ideas inspired by my imagination and realized using the tactile, organic attraction of wood, stone, metal and other natural materials

Background

I have always loved making things and working with my hands. Growing up in New Jersey, my father was a cabinet maker and his woodshop was my playground as a child. He taught me a respect for tools and materials and a dedication to craftsmanship.

Travels in Europe in 1972 brought a heightened appreciation for art and craftsmanship. Sitting on Michelangelo’s doorstep in Florence, Italy I decided to return to the U.S. and pursue a career in art, creating work with wood. Living in Houston, Texas during the 1970’s was like living in a boomtown and it was a garden of opportunity. I was blessed with being “discovered” by Cynthia Mitchell, a patron of the arts, and her support provided me with the financial safety net that all artists dream of and nurtured my growth as an artist.

In the 1980’s I moved to the coast of Maine, and while life in the slow lane had less to offer financially, the beauty of New England, being chosen to create several Percent for Art commissions and participating in exhibitions throughout New England continued to fuel my spirit and inspire my creativity.

In 1989 everything changed. The financial responsibilities of raising a family required me to get “a real job” and I stopped creating my art completely and began a career working in newspapers and publishing. I moved to St. Augustine in 2004 and in 2008 my passion for creating, growing as an artist and exploring new horizons began anew.

Process

It was during formative years that I learned the joy and satisfaction that comes from the process of creating something

with you own hands and a dedication to craftsmanship. It wasn’t until years later, after a three month “journey of discovery” in Europe and N. Africa, that I returned to follow my passion in creating art and fine craft with the skills I had learned as a child.

My work celebrates the journey of the creative process, born from concepts and ideas inspired by my imagination and realized using the tactile, organic attraction of wood, stone, metal and other natural materials. Throughout this process there is a continuing dialogue that takes place, combining tactile materials and subtle details, with a focus on enduring craftsmanship.

I often use a variety of materials: metal, stone, fossils, found objects, light or digital imagery – but wood and metal are often the primary materials.

RON'S WORK IS CURRENTLY ON EXHIBIT AT BUTTERFIELD GARAGE ART GALLERY IN ST. AUGUSTINE, ARTS ON DOUGLAS IN NEW SMYRNA BEACH AND THE ATLANTIC CENTER FOR THE ARTS IN NEW SMYRNA BEACH.

Voyage to Acadia Maiori Shrine of Fertility Solar Disc

Henry Von Genk III

Henry Von Genk, 111, was born and raised in Jacksonville Florida and resides with his family in Jacksonville Beach.

Henry has been an accomplished artist for thirty-three years. After a long and successful career executing murals, including works for museums of science and history and clients around the world, Henry focused on his lifelong destiny of fine art.

He is a self-taught artist who has mastered a realistic style of landscape painting. Working in oils, Henry uses glazing and shadowing techniques of the Old Masters of the Hudson River Painters to bring richness and depth to his paintings.

Henry’s love for Florida’s waterways and salt marshes of the Southeast coastline is evident in all his paintings. They portray the play of sunlight and moonshine on the region’s natural beauty, and are generally devoid of man made intrusions. He portrays the vistas as it was, and should be. Henry’s paintings place you there, warms the heart, and stimulates the feelings we all get when we are actually there viewing these beautiful sites.

Henry has had many one-man art shows and has donated paintings for select charity fundraisers. Henry was selected for the 2011 and 2013 Featured Artist of the year by the St. John’s Riverkeeper. Henry was invited by a jury to be one ofthe artists for the Southeastern Wildlife Expo 2009 thru 2023. His works are owned by private collectors across the country, as well as internationally, and include many well-known celebrities and corporations. His work can be found as part of the permanent collection with the The Ron Risner Fine Art Collection exhibit that is in Tallahassee Florida at the Museum of Florida History.

Henryvongenk.com

Lowcountry Light Oil On Canvas 24” x 36”

Midnight Walk Oil On Canvas 30” x 30”

Koo Hon

“Art saved me from the chaos of everyday life and gives me a sense of belonging and connection. It is my way of expressing my truest self and giving to the world.”

Koo Hon was born and raised in Sarawak, Malaysia. She has a decade of experience in graphic design from Singapore. Koo is an impressionist realism artist who works with oil medium and occasionally charcoal. Her signature works are lush and colorful, especially her still life of fruits and flowers. Koo is particularly drawn to the range of human emotions and facial expressions, capturing people’s faces and features and portraying their complex and intense emotions on the canvas.

She learned from the Maestro Artist David Leffel in using his technique with an attentive setup in still life paintings and all his useful insights have transformed the quality of her work. Her paintings are influenced by nature and her upbringing, as her parents came from a background of farming and were avid gardeners. Her love of nature is rife all throughout her new works of art and Koo continues to carry a positive mentality she hopes to share with her viewers through her art.

In her new series, Symbiosis, Koo’s driving inspiration behind the paintings are all linked to her connection with those small, everyday living organisms in nature, such as flowers, fruits, and bugs. She emphasizes the importance of insects to humans, and how they contribute to the environment. You can see her new work at Butterfield Garage Gallery.

She has received numerous awards, including a silver medal for STAA art competition and is an Associate member of OPA (Oil Painters of America) where she constantly exhibits most of her work. Her works are featured in juried art shows as well as local invitational exhibitions. She now lives in Saint Johns with her beautiful three children, her husband, and her Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Koo Hon's work may befound at BUTTERFIELD GARAGE ART GALLERY, 137 King St St. Augustine, FL (904) 825-4577

www.koohon.com

Instagram @koohonart

The Butterfly Embrace Oil on Canvas 30x 40 inches

Bee Symphony Oil on linen 16x 12 inches

NO SUCH THING AS A NEWBIE

First Coast YMCA offers Inclusive Programming for Seniors

By: Bailea Tomlinson, First Coast YMCA Healthy Living Director

Icall them the three musketeers. They’re a group of three women who are as thick as thieves, often stealing laughs and jokes in the middle of group exercise classes. They more closely resemble a gaggle of teenage girls than your typical senior citizens, and you can’t hardly find a time when they’re not together. At least four times a week they’re at the Y, and at this point, I’m fairly confident they could lead a class themselves if they wanted to. That is, if they could stop giggling for 5 minutes.

In all seriousness, these women represent the best of the 50 years of age and older crowd at the YMCA. They’ve created such a strong bond not only with one another, but to anyone they meet. They’re the first to meet people and encourage new members to join classes, especially if they haven’t been to a workout or gym in a long time.

That’s exactly what the First Coast YMCA is trying to do with all of our members, but especially our older ones –we want each branch to be a welcoming place, regardless of where you’re at in your fitness journey. One of the ways we do that is through our programming specifically designed to help give seniors their independence back.

EnhanceFitness is great example of that. It’s an evidence-based, 16-week fall prevention program endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We cover strength, flexibility, and balance exercises than can have a noticeable impact in helping seniors with daily activities like tying their shoes, walking up stairs, or getting out of a chair. This program is particularly helpful for those who have been diagnosed with arthritis, which, according to the CDC, includes roughly 50% of adults ages 65 or older.

In addition to EnhanceFitness, the

First Coast YMCA offers additional programming for seniors that includes Move30, which is an exercise class that incorporates the use of a cylindrical ViPR device that can help with stretching and strength-building. We also work hand-in-hand with Silver Sneakers members through the Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Health plans. Seniors who are eligible for SilverSneakers can use any YMCA at no cost.

We know that living a healthy lifestyle goes beyond physical activity. That’s why the First Coast YMCA also offers programming to address chronic diseases that many seniors face. Our Diabetes Prevention Program is geared toward members who have been diagnosed with prediabetes or feel they may be at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It’s a year-long program that can help them reduce their body weight and increase physical activity. For those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, we offer our Diabetes Self-Management and Education program that can help members walk through the day-to-day management of diabetes.

If you’re over the age of 50 and you’re looking to connect with peers in a fun and encouraging environment, there isn’t a better outlet than the First Coast YMCA. You won’t be a newcomer for long and you’ll instantly gain accountability partners, both from the staff and fellow members, that can help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle while establishing friendships that can last a lifetime.

If you’d like to learn more about First Coast YMCA programming that’s available to seniors, please visit one of our local branches or check us out online at fcymca.org.

PETS R FAMILY

FULL-SERVICE VETERINARY CARE, BOARDING, & GROOMING

WE’RE YOUR OTHER FAMILY DOCTOR!

Pets R Family is a full-service 11,000 square foot Veterinary Hospital nestled in a private and serene wildlife preserve. Family-owned and operated right here in St. John’s, we are NOT a corporate veterinary facility — no pre-designed packages or sales tactics here!

We believe in treating all pets with love, care, and compassion. Our large team of doctors, technicians, and customer service members are at your service to provide you with the very best care and experience.

ASK

HOSPITAL SERVICES

KENNEL SERVICES

• Pups N Play social day care

• Pet birthday parties

• Long-term and short-term boarding care

• Hospital boarding for pets with special needs

• Professional grooming and bathing services

• State-of-the-art medical facility

• Experienced team of compassionate doctors and veterinary technicians

• Same-day sick appointments available

• Home visits available by appointment

• Full pharmacy

• Teeth cleanings and dentistry

• Specialty care including ultrasounds, thermal imaging, and K-Laser treatments

• NEW! CT Scanner and fluoroscopy

VETS

TRAINING

Does your child love animals?

by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family

The Eyes, A window to Your Pet's Health

Your pet can’t always tell you exactly where it hurts, but observant owners can still get clued into a pet’s possible health problems by looking closer and paying attention to signs your pet gives.

The eyes are a great source of information about an animal’s health because they’re connected to both the vascular and neurologic systems. Eye examinations can reveal signs that are suggestive of bacterial, viral, or other systemic infections, as well as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.

My pet’s eyes are red. What could be causing this?

Changes in the color of the eyes can be concerning. In fact, it’s one of the most common eye concerns that compel owners to bring pets to the vet. Typical causes include inadequate tear production (dry eye), scratches on the surface of the eye (corneal ulceration), inflammation inside the eye (uveitis), inflammation of the lining of the lids (conjunctivitis) and increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma). Most of these conditions are typically treated with drops, ointments, or oral medications after doing some simple tests, but others may require blood testing to be sure it’s not a symptom of a systemic problem. If one or both eyes appear red that doesn’t resolve within a day or two, or there are any other changes in the color or comfort of either eye, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Ocular changes, such as squinting, rubbing, tearing and discharge, are can be serious so it’s important to have and exam with your veterinarian.

My dog’s eyes appear to be hazy and cloudy. What could be wrong?

Scratches on the cornea or inflammation inside the eye (uveitis) commonly cause the haziness of the eye(s). Scratches of the cornea cause water to leak into the cornea which results in cloudiness. Uveitis and degeneration of the cornea can also cause corneal haziness.

My dog has been squinting, as well as rubbing, his eyes. What could cause this?

Squinting or holding the eye shut usually indicates ocular pain, which can be intense because there are so many sensory nerve endings on the cornea’s surface. A plethora of problems contribute to eye pain, including eyelid masses, ulcers, glaucoma, uveitis, and some of the many other causes I’ve previously mentioned. Most can be treated with topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and/or systemic pain management.

I’ve noticed that my dog is bumping

into things and missing balls when we play fetch. Is he possibly losing sight in his old age?

Like us, animals go through age-related changes and deterioration. People typically need reading glasses after the age of 40 because age affects the eye’s ability to focus. Obviously, your dog doesn’t need glasses for reading, but he may have trouble seeing clearly in the dark. Other causes of vision loss are cataracts (opacity of the lens), retinal degeneration (loss of rod and cone function), diabetes and

glaucoma. Unless the vision issues are related to cataracts, there aren’t many treatments available for the other causes. Dietary supplements containing antioxidants may help slow retinal degeneration.

What else can I do to preserve my dog’s eyes and overall health?

A yearly eye examination by your veterinarian is recommended to try and prevent painful and blinding ocular conditions. Your veterinarian will use an ophthalmoscope to look on the inside and outside the eyes to look for signs of a problem.

If your dog develops serious eye problems, your regular vet can refer you to a local ophthalmologist who specializes in eye problems in animals.

Generally, it’s good to inquire about the specific eye problems that your dog may be prone to develop because of his breed or genetic background. There are some new genetic tests that can check your pet’s genetic makeup to see what your pet may be susceptible to. If your pet may be prone to a particular eye condition, if you know the symptoms, you can spot (and treat) them early.”

If you have a dog who shows any of these signs, keep in mind that eye conditions can have many causes beyond what’s listed here. So, if you notice anything unusual about your dog’s eyes, the best thing to do is to make an appointment to see your veterinarian.