St. Johns stjohnsmag.com

August 2013

magazine Back to School Issue

Cover Photo by Cher Brown It’s a New Indulge! New Owners, New Staff, New Prodcuts, New Services A NEW GUEST EXPERIENCE! 1

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St. Johns magazine

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Debbie Gaylord CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angie Bell Dr. Rosanne Faull Dr. Melinda Tolitsky Dr. Peter Veling Darren Rosenbaum Buffy Smith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Cher Brown Angie Bell Graham Martin

OFFICE CONTACT 904-687-8538 debbie@stjohnsmag.com www.stjohnsmag.com

ON THE COVER: The photo of the New Owners and Team at Indulge Salon & Spa on CR 210 West was taken by Cher Brown

All rights reserved Š2013 St. Johns Magazine LLC Published monthly and distributed free of charge, in print and on the web.

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w w w. s t j o h n s m a g . c o m

St. Johns Magazine is an upbeat magazine that focuses on the good things in life. Our main purpose is to help connect local communities in northwestern St. Johns, Florida. St. Johns Magazine will keep readers intrigued and inspired with articles for and about local people places and events.

August FEATURES 6

Dear Reader, August is Back to School and schedules and early alarms. There is a part of me that welcomes the routine and ritual of this time of the year.

Back to School Happenings

13 St. Johns Public School Calendar

This month’s feature article is about our amazing schools here in St. Johns Florida and some of the interesting happennings. Having the number one district in the state is a major accomplishment and while we want to say thank you to the teachers for making it the best, the parents and students are a big part of it.

16 Kim Goodman Mom Entrepreneur at Game Truck Jax

Check out our parents pages for great after school enrichment programs, and child care options that will help you organize your life.

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Home Schooling

After a summer of kids, travel and beaches, Mom may be looking for a place to replenish. Look no further than our cover story and the new Indulge Salon on CR 210 West. Enjoy our business profile about Mom Entrepreneur Kim Goodman of Game Truck , who has made the ultimate gaming party a reality for local kids. I hope you love the entire issue of St. Johns Magazine! Debbie Publisher

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Back to School in St. Johns by Angie Bell

Photos by Angie Bell

S

chool is just around the corner. Yes, I can hear the groans from the kids and the cheers from the parents! But, the groans don’t last long when students remember that school means seeing friends.

For those of us who are or have been teachers, the year starts in August, not January. A fresh, new school year with lots of promise. This excitement is different for everyone, but let’s take a look at this adventure from a few different vantage points.

A Principal’s Perspective

Cunningham Creek Elementary is happy to have Jud Strickland as their new principal. Strickland, who comes from Duval County, is excited about being in St. Johns. He has already caught Dr. Joiner’s vision, which is student focused and centered on relationships with people. “My challenge is to honor what they have already been doing at CCE and to create good memories that will last a lifetime,” says Strickland.

Through a Teacher’s Eyes

One third of the student body is enrolled in band or chorus at Swiss Point Middle School. That’s a whole lot of music going on! Laurie Zentz, who is going into her third year as Band Director, says, “The arts are highly valued at SPMS as the administration and staff recognize the importance of a well-rounded education.” When asked about her philosophy of education, Zentz explains, “My broad experience teaching elementary, secondary, and special needs students has taught me that I need to listen more than talk, make clear connections, never cut corners, never underestimate a child, and make sure my students are solidly grounded in the fundamentals of good musicianship. If I can help young people discover strengths and talents that they never knew they had, and develop those strengths with confidence, focus, poise, attention to detail, and perseverance, I feel I have done my job well. “ Each band presents three evening concerts per year, as well as one performing field trip for each band. The higher level bands also participate in the Music Performance Assessments sponsored by the Florida Bandmasters Association. One highlight of the year will be marching and playing in the St. Augustine Christmas Parade. Currently SPMS is a trendsetter in the area of recruiting and retention of middle school band students. During the summer there were two new summer camps – a “Pops Concert” camp and a “Jazz Ensemble” camp. This year they are adding an additional band class to accommodate the large number students, and will be making some uniform changes. With a very supportive Band Parent Association, the SPMS band is looking forward to another great year!

Surveying the Students

Sierra Simpson, who will be in 10th grade at Creekside, is looking forward to seeing her freshman friends coming up from middle school. She enjoys the social opportunities that school offers. But, ask some students what they think of when they think of school and many will say, “homework.” This was the response of Brett McKendrick, a rising 7th grader at

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SPMS. But, beyond that, Brett is looking forward to civics class, earning all As, and learning Spanish. Many schools, including Swiss Point, will be having Spanish instruction through a program called LEE.

After School with LEE

LEE, Language Exploration Enrichment, was founded by Donna Guzzo and is celebrating ten years in St. Johns County schools. LEE is an after school program that began at Durbin Creek Elementary and has grown to ten schools. For the past eight years, LEE students have won top awards at state competitions. The interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates technology but also stresses reading. Participating LEE schools have collaborated and put an eBook together, with the help of a Hollywood studio. As a non-profit organization, LEE’s proceeds return to the schools it serves. TCE Principal Chris Stephan

Going Green at Timberlin Creek

One big change at Timberlin Creek will be “going green” in the cafeteria. Last year was Principal Chris Stephan’s first at Timberlin and she is excited about this new project. This will be a huge undertaking with big implications for the students and the environment. After training of students and staff, the goal is to have 100% recycling in the cafeteria. The SJCSB put together a video to help in the training process. The fifth grade recycling club is eager to play a large role in this new mission. Timberlin also welcomes a new assistant principal, Gene Bennett, who is a life-long resident of St. Johns County.

What’s New with You? Here at St. Johns Magazine we are all about you – our community. You are the reason why St. Johns Public Schools are rated the best in Florida! If your school has something to share, we want to hear from you. Send your school news to angie5804@ gmail.com or debbie@stjohnsmag.com.

Homeschooling BASICS by Angie Bell

T

he Olsen home is like a one-room schoolhouse, except that the learning goes way beyond the walls of their house. This family’s decision to homeschool was made more than ten years ago. Allie Olsen, a homeschooling mom with six children ages 3-14, says, “Our primary goal is to have enough time with our children to focus on character training and teaching them at the level they need. As Christians, it's important to us that we frame their education in a biblical worldview.” Although not homeschooled herself, she and her husband do plan to homeschool all the way through to graduation. As for socialization, her kids have numerous options, from church to co-ops to the lawn mowing business the oldest, Ben, runs with another homeschooled friend. Ben also studies biology with friends a few blocks away. Homeschooling has provided the Olsen family countless opportunities grow together. Allie explains, “ I'm grateful for the freedom we have here in Florida to school our children with excellence at home- like the students in St. Johns County public schools. Same passion for excellence but different means.”

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In addition to being Mom and teacher, Allie writes about parenting and St. Augustine, speaks at homeschooling conventions, and photographs her adventures. You can find her at http://www.simplystaugustine.com/.

QUICK FACTS

Florida Statute 1002.41 specifies the responsibilities of parents who establish a home education program. 1. Send a written notice of intent to the school district superintendent. 2. Maintain a portfolio of educational records. 3. Provide an annual educational evaluation of the student's educational progress to the superintendent. 4. Home education students may qualify for a scholarship through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. 5. Students must be given the same opportunity to participate in "inter-scholastic extracurricular activities" as public school students.

Online Resources for St. Johns County Homeschoolers

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

http://www.fpea.com/ http://www.homeschool-life.com/fl/herijax/ http://www.bookitprogram.com/Enrollment/homeschool.asp http://www.sjcpls.org/ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570

6. http://www-sjvs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/

Making the Most of Your

PTO Experience

The PTO is a vital part of every school in St. Johns County. It is a non-profit organization that works to improve your child’s school. “There are always jobs to do, and every one of them makes a difference in the life of a student or staff member. If you don’t have time to serve on a board or chair a committee, choose one event in an area that you think might interest you,” advises Tricia Heffner of Landrum Middle School PTO. If you are a leader, be sure to have a well planned agenda and keep faculty and staff in-the-loop. Reach out to new members of the community, whether they are new in the neighborhood or first-time parents of kindergartners. Don’t make fundrais-

ing the focus, but keep good records and take extra care when handling money. Lastly, keep an open mind to new ideas. As the saying goes, many hands make light work. Members should get to know other volunteers and have frequent activities to boost school spirit. And be sure the teachers know how much they are appreciated. “We have positions that can be done completely from home and positions that require coming into the school regularly. I would say look at your own strengths because it is likely that we can use your talents somehow in the PTO,” says Cathy Richter, Liberty Pines Academy PTO President.

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Introducing

Indulge Salon Photographed by Cher Brown

Nina & Chris Stelfox

W

ith soaring ceilings, tasteful wood décor and private nooks for escaping, Indulge Salon on CR 210 West, possesses a sophisticated, elegant and relaxing atmosphere. New owners Nina & Chris Stelfox took over Indulge with high expectations for a new adventure. Nina moved to Florida from Canada six years ago, met Chris and they fell in love. With backgrounds in the corporate world, they saw Indulge as a great opportunity to combine their passion & talents as entrepreneurs. They chose the salon & spa business because it fits their life philosophy. Nina and Chris believe in the power of good energy and see Indulge as an opportunity to embrace good energy every day, by providing guests with an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and reenergize, and to look and feel beautiful inside out. “As we start this journey, we go into it full of positive energy and hope that every person we serve will see the passion in our hearts to deliver the best guest experience possible” Chris said. Their goal is to create an extraordinary guest experience at Indulge and they have a clear vision of how to accomplish it. “To us, it is about transforming Indulge into a full service salon, shop and spa, featuring a warm, friendly, down to earth staff, a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, while staying current with the latest trends in the industry , offering both organic and non-organic options to beauty. It is really about the quality of our guest’s experience and about responding to the beauty and wellbeing wants and needs of the Saint Johns community.” Nina said. The new indulge features talented estheticians, massage therapists and hair designers, high-end hair and skin care products all at reasonable prices. Guests can expect the best when it comes to skincare, massages or transforming themselves through fabulous hair styles. Currently Indulge offers a wide range of services such as hair removal, eyelash extensions, hair extensions, hair services, facials, massages, spray tanning, , permanent makeup, teeth whitening and body contouring wraps. Also offering customized salon and

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Learn How New Owners Chris & Nina Stelfox Plan to Re-Invent their Salon on 210 West with Passion & Positivity spa bridal packages or special occasion spa party packages. Some of the products offered are Moroccanoil Hair and Body lines, Goldwell, Unite, Brazilian Blowout, Keratin Complex in addition to fabulous custom jewelry and several options for wonderful gifts. Soon to be introduced, are: Light Concept Nails, a wonderful a revolutionary line of light-cured products designed to seal, correct, lengthen and beautify fingernails. The first of its kind in Europe, this system provides a non-acrylic alternative to conventional nail cosmetics, providing longer lasting and infinitely more beautiful results. Surface Hair Care products which are formulated with sustainable harvested ingredients and certified organic botanicals. Goldwell Nectaya, this is a new permanent colour treatment from Goldwell which is 92% natural and ammonia-free, making it ideal for those guests who experience sensitivity to conventional colour treatments…or for those who are simply looking for a more natural colour experience. Nina and Chris took over Indulge a few months ago and have a Grand Opening planned for September 2013. But don’t wait until then to come in for some pampering - they are open now if you are Ready to Indulge! “There is no doubt in my mind that Indulge will resurface stronger than ever and become the preferred salon and spa for the St. Johns community, because of one fundamental reason: our staff. Chris and I feel extremely blessed to have found every single member of our team, people with a good heart first, and with incredible talent second. People that genuinely see their jobs as an opportunity to make some else’s day a better one, looking and feeling beautiful inside out.” - Nina

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS - AUGUST 2013 AUGUST 2-4 Sales Tax Holiday August 2 Free Community First Night Owl Cinema at the Amphitheatre The Pirates of the Caribbean is the featured film to be shown at 8 p.m. on the big screen at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre located at 1340 A1A South. The free cinema is presented by Community First Credit Union and the Amphitheatre. Gates open at 7 p.m. Info: 904-209-0367; www.staugamphitheatre.com

August 2nd

First Friday ART Walk 904-829-0065 www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com/ August 6 National Night Out at the Beach at Pier Park Learn crime prevention awareness. There will be plenty of food, drink, exhibitors, child safety education information, law enforcement personnel, bike give-aways, a raffle and more. The National Night Out at the Beach takes place from 6 - 9 p.m. at 350 A1A Beach Blvd. Admission is free. For more information, email pricema@sabpd.org. August 7 Music By the Sea Concert Series Live concert with the band Mid Life Crisis playing classic R/R takes place from 7-9 p.m. at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd. Admission is free and local restaurant Sea Oats Cafe will offer signature dinners for $10. For comfortable seating, bring a folding chair. Info: 904-347-8007; www.thecivicassociation.org August 9 Alabama Concert Country music's most famous group, brings their 40th Anniversary Back to the Bowery Tour to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Featuring many of their 43 Billboard Number One songs, the performance begins at 7 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) The Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A. Tickets range from $110 to $29.50 Info: www.staugamphitheatre.com; 904-471-1965

August 15- October 15 Exhibit - Ordinary People

This exhibit is a colorful, folksy presentation featuring some of St. Augustine’s first colonists. The exhibit will be open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the St. Augustine Visitor Information Center, 10 Castillo Dr. www.StAugustine-450.com 904-829-0475

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Promote Healthy Oceans and Lifestyles. 3rd Annual

Back2School Beach Fest August 10, 2013

An all day event starting at 6:45 am with sunrise Yoga and ending with a documentary showing at the Amphitheater.

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www.CleanWaterMusicFest.com Ponte Vedra Concert Hall August 23 Free Community First Night Owl Cinema at the Amphitheatre Oz: The Great and Powerful is the featured film to be shown at 8 p.m. on the big screen at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre located at 1340 A1A South. The free cinema is presented by Community First Credit Union and the Amphitheatre. Gates open at 7 p.m. Info: 904-209-0367; www.staugamphitheatre.com August 25, 2013 Free Entrance Day: Castillo de San Marcos In honor of National Park Week, the National Park Service is offering free admission to Castillo de San Marcos. Built by the Spanish military between 1672 and 1692, the Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fortification in the U.S. Friday through Saturday visitors can experience living history during Spanish Military cannon firings. The Castillo de San Marcos is located on Avenida Menendez, overlooking Matanzas Bay . Info: www.NPS.gov/casa

AUGUST 31st Uptown Saturday Night

August 31 Uptown Saturday Night From 5 – 9 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month, experience live music, refreshments, new exhibits, book signings and much more at the galleries, antique stores and unique shop on St. Augustine's San Marco Avenue between Ripley's Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios. The Mission Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING. Info: 904-823-9263

September 21, 2013 ~ 8:30am World Golf Village Register at https://www.signmeup.com/site/ online-event-registration/92832

St. Johns County Public Schools 2013-2014 Calendar Monday, August 12, 2013 ~ Optional Teacher Planning Day

Tuesday - Friday, August 13 - 16, 2013 ~ Teacher Pre-Planning Monday, August 19, 2013 ~ Students Report to Class Monday, September 2, 2013 ~ Labor Day - Student/Teacher Holiday + Friday, September 13, 2013 ~ Teacher Inservice Day - Student Holiday + Thursday, October 24, 2013 ~ First Quarter Ends Friday, October 25, 2013 ~ Teacher Planning Day - Student Holiday + Monday, November 11, 2013 ~ Veterans Day - Student/Teacher Holiday + Wednesday - Friday, November 27 - 29, 2013

Top 10 Tips

for a Smooth Back to School Transition by Buffy Smith

It’s July. How did this happen? It seems like such a short time ago I was baking end of the year cupcakes while frantically scrolling through Pinterest for the cutest, most inexpensive gifts to give teachers. And though Phineas and Ferb get “a hundred and four days of summer vacation”, we here in St. Johns County only get 75. So when the calendar flips to July I start having brain zaps of new backpacks, number 2 pencils, and the inevitable search for those three-pronged color specific pocket folders. In order to make Back to School go as smoothly as possible, here are some tips:

1. Breathe – don’t try to do all of your planning at once

Thanksgiving Break - Student/Teacher Holiday (Nov 27 +) Friday, December 20, 2013 ~ Second Quarter/First Semester Ends (Friday Dec 20*) Monday-Friday, Dec. 23, 2013 - Jan. 3, 2014 Winter Break - Student/Teacher Holiday Monday, January 6, 2014 ~ Teacher Planning Day - Student Holiday + Tuesday, January 7, 2014 ~ Classes Resume for Students/Second Semester Begins Monday, January 20, 2014 ~ Martin Luther King Day - Student/Teacher Holiday + Monday, February 3, 2014 ~ Teacher Inservice Day - Student Holiday + Monday, February 17, 2014 ~ Presidents Day - Student/Teacher Holiday + Tuesday - Wednesday, February 25 - 26, 2014 ~ FCAT Writing (Grades 4, 8 & 10) Thursday, March 13, 2014 ~ Third Quarter Ends Friday, March 14, 2014 ~ Teacher Planning Day - Student Holiday + Monday-Friday, March 17 - 21, 2014 ~ Spring Break - Student/Teacher Holiday Monday, March 24, 2014 ~ Classes Resume for Students Friday, April 18, 2014 ~ Student/Teacher Holiday Tuesday-Friday, April 22 - 25, 2014 ~ FCAT Testing (Reading, Math & Science) Monday, May 26, 2014 ~ Memorial Day - Student/Teacher Holiday Friday-Saturday, May 30 and 31, 2014 ~ Graduations (Schools/Locations TBD) Thursday, June 5, 2014 ~ Last Day for Students * Friday, June 6, 2014 ~ Last Day for Teachers - Teacher Planning Day

2. Gather up old backpacks/lunchboxes (Donate old supplies to organizations like www.worldreliefjacksonville.org) 3. Visit your school website for “meet the teacher” dates 4. Find bus information and school hours at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us 5. Print off school supply lists or bookmark them on your phone for easy access during trips to Target 6. Go by yourself to buy school supplies… trust me on this one 7. Read your school’s dress code policy 8. Check to make sure your kids have at least one pair of shoes that aren’t flip flops 9. Don’t believe the hype – your kids don’t have to look or be perfect for the first day (despite what they may tell you) 10. Make a date with yourself and go get a coffee/donut/mimosa once your kids are safely on the bus on August 19th…you made it through another summer! 13

Back to SCHOOL guide

Parent Pages

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Think & Wonder, Wonder & Think. -Dr. Seuss

St. Johns Magazine Wishes You a GREAT SCHOOL YEAR

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Kim Goodman of

GAME TRUCK Jacksonville Mom & Entrepreneur

I

magine being a kid and for your birthday a giant truck arrives at your party equipped with HDTV’s XBOX360, Wii, Playstation 3 & a game coach to help you learn how to play (just in case you don’t already know). Now, for the next two hours that truck is yours to spend playing any of those games with about ten of your best friends. That, in a nutshell, is Game Truck, a new local business brought to Jacksonville & St. Johns this past spring by Kim & Daniel Goodman. When their youngest daughter entered kindergarten Mom of three, Kim was looking for a business she could manage from home but still be available for her kids after school or for one of many activities required by Moms. That is when she found Game Truck. With two older boys, ages 10 & 11, Kim & Daniel knew the magic of electronic games. They understood that Game Truck could make games interactive and fun as a party setting instead of just one child playing alone at home in front of the TV. Also, a friend in Texas had done something similar. Kim attended about a zillion birthday parties over the years, so she loved the idea of bringing something new to the area that no one had tried before. But she was surprised by how much she has enjoyed managing Game Truck, considering she is a physical therapist by trade. She loved her work as a therapist but with children, a typical J-O-B with long hours away from home would have made this Mom of three miserable. She says her favorite aspect of managing the business is meeting other Moms and helping them plan their party. The flexibility of the schedule is also key. She says it is more fulfilling for her than she ever could have anticipated because she is able to have balance in her life, an elusive goal of many Moms. There have been challenges similar to those faced by any new business, she says, but overall it is the perfect fit. Daniel still works full time but helps Kim with marketing. The focus of the Game Truck is birthday parties but it is also available for fundraising and other community events. This spring they did an FCAT reward party at one school and they have gone to a few summer camps as well. For the Goodmans, the Game Truck is all about service and providing guests with the best birthday party experience from beginning to end. K i m says she has seen kids literally jump up and down as the truck pulls up to the party site. What’s not to love about the party business. Party on Goodman family!

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Interior of the Game Truck

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Health, Beaut

Questions for The

Chiropractor Dr. Melinda S. Tolitsky, DC

It is hard to believe how fast summer has gone by and the next school year is rapidly approaching. This month’s questions and answers will focus on some general questions regarding chiropractic. How much education does it require to be a chiropractor? Most chiropractors have a Bachelor’s degree with specific prerequisites before entering an accredited Chiropractic College. Most Chiropractic Colleges offer year round classes, labs and clinicals focusing on anatomy, physiology, x-ray, diagnosis and spinal adjusting. There are also courses in nutrition, pharmacology, pediatrics, and many more. Most Chiropractic Colleges are set up to be completed in 3 and ½ to 4 years if you attend year around. During Chiropractic College, each student must take and pass 4 National Board Exams to demonstrate proficiency before continuing in their education. After graduation, students must take State Board Exams in the state that they wish to practice and each and every state also requires a specific number of continuing education hours to be completed to maintain their license. I have heard once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to keep going back? There are different types of chiropractic care. Many people seek chiropractic care when they are injured or in pain. This is acute care aimed at reducing symptoms such as pain and muscle spasms or increasing range of motion. As people feel better, they may choose to continue chiropractic care for more corrective type of care. This type of care focuses on rehabilitative type of treatments and exercise. Finally, some people choose to get periodic check-ups and maintenance adjustments even if they do not have any symptoms. They chose maintenance visits to prevent issues and promote health. At our office, we respect everyone’s right to choose which type of care they would like to benefit from. It is always the patient’s choice. Please feel free to call my office at 904-547-2435 or email me at DrMelindaTolitsky@att.net if you have more questions or would like some additional information. The answers here reflect results that I have experienced in my practice, but everyone responds differently. If you have any specific question you would like addressed in the next forum, please email me at Drmelindatolitsky@att.net. 18

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Bluetooth Technology is Everywhere By Dr. Rosann Faull

The most common use of this technology is with cell phones. A small instrument is placed in the ear and now you can use the cell phone hands free. Our new cars have this Bluetooth technology. Just pair your cell phone with the vehicles’ Bluetooth system and you can use the cell phone, hands free. Whether this is wise or safe to drive and talk on the cell phone is a different discussion. Hearing aids use Bluetooth technology. This advancement has been available for about 5 years in the hearing aid field. It is now very common. An interface is necessary. This interface is most commonly worn around the hearing aid user’s neck or in their pocket. It is the interface that is paired with the other Bluetooth device. The interface connects hearing aids with the Bluetooth device. Now it is the exception that people do not have and use cell phones. New digital hearing aids and a Bluetooth interface allow cell phone signals to be sent directly from the cell phones to the hearing aids. Everyone’s reasons for using hearing aids are different. For some people it is hearing more clearly on the cell phone, especially at work. New digital hearing aids with Bluetooth technology have helped many persons stay in the workforce. Bluetooth is most commonly used with cell phones. But Bluetooth is available on computers, laptops, iPads and even TV’s. If, your TV does not have Bluetooth technology built-in there are adapters that plug into the TV. The hearing aid user with Bluetooth devices can hear directly into their hearing aids from the TV. Now there will be no more fighting over the TV’s volume. There are also Bluetooth remote microphones. These remote microphones are worn by the speaker and can transmit up to 30 – 40 feet. So now, the hearing aid user will hear as if someone is speaking directly into their ears, very helpful in classrooms, lectures and church. Which, with these Bluetooth devices they are. Technology helps make our lives easier. Hearing aids improve our connections with family, friends, co-workers and the wonderful world of sound. Stop struggling to hear, call for an appointment, get evaluated, consult with a Doctor of Audiology and learn more about the latest hearing aids technologies and Bluetooth applications.

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22

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

Many people have read about or know about the fact that bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics in human medicine. For the last ten years, at veterinary continuing education meetings such as the North American Veterinary Conference, warnings have been issued about antibiotic resistance by the ivory tower types that teach us (thank God for them). That resistance was mainly happening in human medicine. The alarm bells were sounding in veterinary medicine so that we would be prepared for the arrival of these tough visitors. Veterinarians were hoping to never see one but we still listen and learn. A few weeks ago I had evidence that these “Superbugs” are present in my patients. A little mix breed, Dunkin (the little guy craves donuts), came to me with a severe ear infection. The ear canal was full of pus with a dried coating sticking to the opening. We flushed it out as best we could. I looked under the microscope to see what shape the bacteria were, in order to guide me in antibiotic selection. The shape fit with some of the bacteria that are common in sewage. We sent home an antibiotic that has been useful with angry ears in the past. Dunkin had never had this product before that I knew of.

A week later, I re-examined the ear - no improvement. I sent off a bacterial culture and sensitivity from Dunkin’s ear. Three days later, we knew it was a very bad bacterium, Pseudomonas. Two days after that, we had the list of drugs that would kill it. None of them were going to kill Mr. Pseudomonas and his party friends in this ear. Dunkin was in trouble. This is where a little bit of experience and a long memory gave me a glimmer of hope for Dunkin. Years ago, I worked for an old Hungarian veterinarian in St. Louis, MO. For ears like this he used a drying agent that was put into the ear and cleaned out a week later. The problem was that this medication had gone off the market years ago. I was able to have it compounded by a pharmacy. We used it in Dunkin’s ear. With one treatment we have significant improvement. He is not cured but he is 75% better. In 1983 one treatment would have wiped it out. With this Superbug we will have to work hard but I am hopeful that Dunkin will have an ear to hear with again. Keep your fingers crossed for Dunkin and me.

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