St. Johns Mag December 2018 by St. Johns Magazine

ST.JOHNS

December 2018

MAGAZINE

DR. ESRA,DVM at Nease Animal Hospital; Providing Care & Rehabilitation for your pets!

Meet Dr. Glenos by Mindy Kerr, & Dr. Hadgis!Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sPhoto Child Photography www.stjohnsmag.com

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DECEMBER 2018 Issue PUBLISHER Debbie Gaylord debbie@stjohnsmag.com EDITOR Darren Rosenbaum CONTACT 904-687-8538 debbie@stjohnsmag.com www.stjohnsmag.com All rights reserved Â©2012-2018 St. Johns Magazine LLC. Printed by The Hartley Press Jacksonville, FL Published monthly and distributed by US Postal Service. In print and on the web and distributed free of charge to consumers. THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS DR. DECKARD, DVM THERESA SCULLY DIANA BRUMMER

PHOTOGRAPHER MINDY KERR NATURE'S CHILD PHOTOGRAPHY

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PROVEN SUCCESS IN ST. AUGUSTINE FOR OVER 30 YEARS eautiful healthy smiles, many thousands…. including many dentists and their families. arly planning has reduced time and expense for many younger smiles. Excellent results according to ABO standards. tate of the offices - NOW 2 locations, with 3D scanning, low dose 3D radiography and complete orthodontic labs to make what you need faster. Superior service… goes without saying! reatment plans that offer the best treatment plan to minimize time in appliances and thus expense. We offer the latest customized braces as well as removable aligners. Our mutual goal is to provide comfortable, stable, lifelong results. Team is so important, and we work diligently to have the best!

We offer a full range of Orthodontic Treatments: Dr, Glenos and his experienced team have been creating beautiful smiles efficiently and affordably for over thirty years, using the most modern and effective techniques and appliances, individually customized according to the needs of each patient, young or adult. For over 30 years, Dr. Glenos has continued to contributed back to the community through partnerships with the schools and support of many sport teams, scouting, dancing companies, children’s theatre, beauty pageants, the local children museum TAG, and the Smiles Change Lives program. Dr. Glenos and Dr. Hadgis are both board certified orthodontists. Dr. Glenos is a past president of the Florida Association of Orthodontists and the St. Augustine Dental Society.

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Dr. Jimmy Glenos & Dr. Craig Hadgis Dr. Jimmy Glenos is proud to have Dr. Craig Hadgis, a second Board Certified Orthodontist, join our amazing team at Smiles by Glenos. Together we look forward to providing the highest level of comfortable, affordable and personalized orthodontic care. It is important to us that we continue our long history of not only creating beautiful smiles, but giving back to the community through partnerships with the schools and support of many sport teams, scouting, dance companies, childrens theatre, beauty pageants, the Childrens Museum- TAG, and the Smiles Change Lives program.

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Chloe, Humphrey & Dr. Esra

DR. ESRA

Nease Animal Hospital Photos by Mindy Kerr of Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Child Photography

While comprehensive care with a personal touch is the mission of Dr. Esra Yavuz Weisheit, Veterinarian and owner of Nease Animal Hospital in St. Johns, this is no ordinary practice. In addition to excellent general care, Nease Animal Hospital offers canine physical therapy, Chinese herbal supplements and acupuncture. Dr. Esra also specializes in pet rehabilitation, which is a common need as pets age and after surgeries. As a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) and Certified Spinal Manual Therapist for pets, Dr. Esra brings a deeper element to the care of her patients.

St. Johns Magazine learns more about how Dr. Esra became interested in becoming a vet and why she chose to settle in St. Johns. Have you always known you wanted to become a veterinarian or, did you discover it later in life? I knew when I was 7 that I wanted to work with animals. I grew up taking care of street cats and dogs. During college, I spent a semester in Kenya studying Wildlife Management and that time in Kenya confirmed my passion in veterinary medicine.

home for the kitten and kept mom. She was an amazing cat. Where did you first practice veterinary medicine? I have been practicing since 1997. I practiced in a multi-doctor and corporate practice in Maryland and then opened my own practice in Bel Air, MD. I loved owning my practice and had amazing clients and patients.

Where did you grow up? & Where did you go to school? I grew up in Turkey and then went to college in New York state and went to veterinary school at Tufts University in Massachusetts.

What brought you to St. Johns? My husband had been wanting to move to Florida for the last 10 years due to climate. We had travelled to different places in Florida but I fell in love with Saint Augustine and Jacksonville. I loved the beaches and diversity of Jacksonville.

Is there a story or memory from your youth that helped you decide on your career? We rescued a street cat who went into labor on a Sunday. She was having a hard time delivering so we had to call for a veterinarian from the phone book and found a veterinarian who agreed to open his practice. She needed a C-section. I was 10 and got to watch the surgery and helped care for the new born kitten. I was very lucky my mother let me keep mom and the kitten at our house. We found

What are some of the ways your practice makes pets and pet owners feel special? We focus on individual care and whole patient care. Prevention is the key. Our focus is to give our patients a positive experience. We take our time to make sure that our patients are comfortable and pampered. We are generous on treats so that our patients are happy to visit us again.

Do you have any special services? We do offer acupuncture, cold therapy laser, and canine physical therapy. Also, pet owners can bring their dogs to utilize the underwater treadmill to keep their pets physical fit. We do offer Chinese herbal supplements, food therapy and alternative medicine. We are an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) certified veterinary hospital. We strive for high standards of care. Do you have an office mascot? Coco is our hospital cat. She is very sassy. What is your favorite aspect of your work? I love the fact that we can offer many different services that help keep our patients happy and healthy. Preventing disease and helping patients to stay healthy with supplements and alternative medicine. I love it when after acupuncture, herbs and physical therapy, our patients walk again.

Dr. Esra with her staff, Humphrey, Chloe & Office Mascott Coco the cat

What is the most difficult aspect of your work? So many animals need good homes. There are more animals than homes. Tell us a little about your family. I am very lucky to have a very supportive and loving husband Gene and my 13 year old son Zackary. I am very excited that my son is going to be testing for third degree black belt. Do you own any pets yourself? I do have three spoiled cats

(Fearless, Eagle, and Raven) and two dogs Chloe and Humphrey. How do you relieve stress? Walking on the beach with my family What is your favorite thing to do in St. Johns? Many things: I love the fact that I can spend outdoors activities with my family : checking out different trails and different beaches with my family and Chloe and Humphrey.

THE PET PHYSICAL THERAPY ROOM The Pet Physical Therapy Room at Nease Animal Hospital, has many tools for pet physical therapy including an underwater treadmill for dogs that uses hydrotherapy to treat many conditions such as arthritis, post-operative recovery, obesity and spinal injury. Dr. Esraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own dog is a great example of the effectiveness of the therapy. Humphrey was a rescue dog as he got older developed arthritis in his joints. With regular use of the underwater treadmill he has regained use of his muscle strength (about 15 to 20 minutes per session). We watch as the tank fills with water and a beautiful multi-colored collie named Humphrey stands expectantly until the tank reaches the top of his legs. He begins to jog easily. Dr. Esra explains that the use of hydrotherapy helps reduce pressure on the joints and allows the dog to move without pain. Therapy helps improve range of motion, strengthen muscles and improves endurance; hence, the more the joints are used, the healthier they become, which may explain why Humphrey is such a happy dog and why he was so eager to get in the tank from the beginning. For more information about Nease Animal Hospital Please visit www.neaseanimalhospital.com. 10440 US-1 #101, St. Augustine, FL 32095 or call (904) 209-5740 www.stjohnsmag.com

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Family Holiday Survival Guide

by Diana Brummer, MSW Owner of Good Mental Health

he holiday season is upon us! This is the time of year that brings families together. It can also be the time of year that reminds us why we might choose to spend time apart. Why is it that we can walk through the door of our parents' homes and immediately feel like we're ten years old again? If you find yourself anxious at the thought of spending quality time with your extended family this holiday season, taking a look at family roles and the feelings these roles can trigger may be a reason why. As children growing up in a family system, we are often unconsciously assigned roles to fill. Were you the high-achieving hero who diligently lived up to your parents' expectations and who continues to keep things running smoothly to this day? Or perhaps the scapegoat, an example of how to not fit in with the rest of the family? Maybe you were the mascot who provided comic relief when tensions ran high? Or the lost child, fading into the background with your nose in a book, someone who no one really got to know at all? Gathering again with aging parents and adult siblings, we may feel the uncomfortable pull of someone else's expectations for us. Those unresolved feelings from childhood and the sense of guilt, obligation, and sometimes disappointment they can trigger are what can make us uncomfortable in these situations. The following tips are part of my Family Holiday Survival Guide that can help our quality time feel more enjoyable for all:

1. RECOGNIZE YOUR TRIGGERS. Realize that old childhood roles and expectations no longer have to be part of your adult experience and don't allow yourself to react to them as if they are. Recognizing and then

interrupting our own dysfunctional behavior pattern is the first step toward changing our relationships for the better.

2. ESTABLISH A TIME LIMIT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

If two hours is the length of time you feel comfortable spending with the extended family, determine an exit strategy within that two hour window. No need to stay all day if you know from past experience that inhibitions lower and hurtful things are more likely to be said the longer you are together. Traveling from out of town? Renting a hotel room to allow yourself a place to unwind and recharge is often money well spent.

3. CHOOSE A SAFE WORD (AND SHARE IT WITH A SAFE PERSON).

Choose a unique word or phrase and share it with your significant other or another "safe" family member. If you find yourself becoming triggered or upset, use your safe word to make a fast get away. Something as simple as a walk around the block is often enough to deescalate a situation and give all parties time to clear their heads. Wishing you all a safe, joyful, and emotionally healthy holiday season! For more information on building, strengthening, and healing family relationships, please visit our blog at GoodMentalHealthLLC.com.

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Nationally recognized, locally owned St. Augustine Distillery launches new bourbons and gift sets for the holidays St. Augustine, Fla. – November 8, 2018 – St. Augustine Distillery, recently voted 2018 Best Whiskey Tour in North America, will launch the world’s first barrel-finished old fashioned bourbon, The Saint, on Friday, November 23. The Saint is a 114.4 proof, old fashioned finished bourbon. The release is limited with only two barrels and priced at $199 in a decorative 750 ml bottle.

The company’s first holiday gift pack, Old Fashioned Kit, will be available on Friday, November 30. The set includes a 750ml Double Cask Bourbon (93.8 proof), with one engraved 10 oz. rocks glass, two sample bottles of the distillery’s Old-Fashioned Mix, and is priced at $60.

“This unique combination creates a barrel strength bourbon that drinks like a 90 proof and tastes like it’s 10 years old,” said CEO and co-founder Philip McDaniel. “We made only two barrels in this first release. 30 percent of the product has already been pre-ordered by our bourbon club members and we expect the remaining bottles to sell out quickly.”

St. Augustine Distillery is operation seven days a week with gift shop and tours open from 10am to 6pm. Free tours and tastings every half hour. Follow on Instagram @StAugustineDistillery and Facebook @StAugustineDistilleryCompany. For more information, call 904-825-4962 or visit www. staugustinedistillery.com.

The following week, on Friday, December 7, the distillery will release its new flagship bourbon, Unfiltered and barrel strength, The Saint is Florida Straight Bourbon. The bourbon is aged for created by taking three-year old stocks of bourbon a minimum of three years in 53-gallon new oak and finishing the spirit in barrels which produced barrels and is 88 proof. The bourbon will be priced the distillery’s signature Old Fashioned Mix. at $50.

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...for Back Pain! by Theresa Scully, PT, CPI

'Tis The Season

Owner, physical therapist at Arch Pilates & Physical Therapy www.Archpilates.com Theresa@archpilates.com 904-860-5392

ots of holly and lots of jolly are in store for every family this holiday season! The holidays can be back-breaking! Figuratively and LITERALLY. In my 18 years of physical therapy practice, December becomes the season of low back strains and neck pain from injuries of unpacking the Christmas tree or marathon hours of bending and wrapping presents. Let’s not forget about the backbreaking work of setting up the decorations, taking them down, and lifting boxes to store them away again. I once had a client who fell off a ladder and broke her foot when she was trying to put the star on her tree! I would like to offer a few tips to keep to keep your spine healthy during this holiday season. The main advice is move intentionally! Which means to watch your body mechanics when you are bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, and running (to get that super important gift!)

1. Bend with your legs and not your back. A proper squat entails lengthening through the back of the neck all the way to the tailbone. Keep your low back neutral. This type of squat feels like a hip hinge with a strong abdominal brace. 2. Use the golfer’s lift when you are quickly picking things up off the floor or reaching for ornaments out of a box. Stand on your stronger leg and lift the other leg off the floor and behind you. Lengthen through the back of the neck all the way to the tailbone. Imagine that your floating leg behind you is an extension of your tailbone, like an actual tail. Squeeze navel to spine to create an abdominal corset. 3. When twisting point your foot to the direction you are moving in. Your first toe must be in line with your knee and hip pants pocket. That way you aren’t over twisting in the low back, but rather turning the whole body. Squeeze navel to spine to create an abdominal corset. 4. Lifting, pushing, and pulling activities require not only arm strength, but also a strong center. So, to limit the stress on your back and neck, squeeze navel to spine to create an abdominal corset and then keep the object you are lifting, pushing or pulling, close to your center using your body to help support the weight. The further away the weight is away from the body the harder to manage. Also, ASK FOR HELP. 5. When wrapping gifts. Set up your wrapping area in a way that you are not bending your low back. The kitchen island or a table that you stand or sit at is best. Keep

your spine straight! And, of course contract your abdominals, navel to spine to create an abdominal corset. When you are standing wrapping gifts, place one foot on a step stool or open a cabinet door and place your foot on the edge to unweight the spine. When sitting, resist the urge to jut your neck out. Keep everything close to your body so you are not reaching with your arms and stressing the spine. 6. Driving long distances, or more than normal? Bring a small pillow to support your low back. You might think your lumbar support in your car is sufficient, but I have found that not all lumbar supports sit in the right place. Bodies are shaped in differently and a universal lumbar support in a car might not fit your body. If you want a visual, check out my Facebook page for a video demonstrating all these movements and more: www.facebook. com/archpilates. I truly hope that these tips will keep your back healthy during this season. Remember to move with intention and always take a moment to check in with your body. Make sure you are treating it right and not neglecting it. Always give yourself a little quiet time, even if it’s just 5 minutes in a dark closet or in your driveway in the silence of your car. When the body is under physical and mental stress, it doesn’t function as well. I pray that your season is bright, happy, and full of loving kindness, remembering the true spirit of the season and serving others with a strong aligned spine!

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December

Calendar & Fun Guide Created by Shainna Rosenbaum

DECEMBER 5TH, LUMINARY NIGHT ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE & MARITIME MUSEUM 6 PM to 9 PM. Free and open to the public with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to a local food pantry. Holiday music, Santa visits, seasonal treats, and other activities are planned. www.staugustinelighthouse.org

FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK DECEMBER 7TH Art Galleries of St. Augustine welcome visitors to browse the latest art exhibits and enjoy refreshments and live entertainment. www. artgalleriesofstaugustine.com/ first-friday-artwalk/

DECEMBER 7 AND 8TH COMMUNITY NUTCRACKER Performing annually since 1992, Community Nutcracker has evolved into a treasured holiday tradition in Northeast Florida. Over 200 local performers are involved to produce an artistic masterpiece that embodies the act of giving during the holidays, while bringing the community together in a whimsical, imaginative Christmas celebration of elegant dance and storytelling. See website for dates and times. www.jaxnutcracker.org

DECEMBER 8TH TIDINGS AND TINSEL HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET Vintage Arts Inc. Join us at the boutique, enjoy a festive libation, and let us make your

holiday shopping a joy! With a wide selection in store and extraordinary handmade items from our favorite makers, you can be sure that you will find extraordinary gifts for everyone on your list! And, Santa will there too! Hosted by Vintage Arts Inc. (Message through FB) DECEMBER 8TH GAAM HOLIDAY NERD MARKET 10-4pm Over 30 businesses with nerdy stuff to sell right before the holidays! There will also be musical performances, game stations, Smash Sisters Tournament on Super Smash Bros Ultimate, holiday and gaming selfie spots, food trucks and more! https://gaamshow. com

2018

DECEMBER 5TH & 8TH-9TH 24TH ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE THE CHURCH AT ARGYLE 8pm. Join with us for Christmas Classics and new music too, sure to help you truly celebrate the season. Live musicians and singers. FREE! Free parking & free hot chocolate too.

DEC 7-9 & DEC 14 - JAN 5TH JAX ZOOLIGHTS Celebrate the holiday season and create a family tradition admiring the sparkling lights and brilliant hues at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Seventh Annual ZOOLights event .www.jacksonvillezoo.org/ zoolights

DECEMBER 8TH VERY SHRIMPY CHRISTMAS Jacksonville jumbo shrimp. The event will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Christmas movie classics How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Frosty's Winter Wonderland being shown on the high-definition video board. Fans can also enjoy free pictures with Santa Claus, face painting and Christmas crafts. There will be s'more kits for sale, as well as other Christmas treats, and a kid zone on the field with a bouncy house and inflatable slide. DECEMBER 8TH 16TH ANNUAL LIGHTED BOAT PARADE 6:30 At Whitey’s Fish Camp:Come enjoy a wonderful event driven by a wonderful cause. As usual, there will be cash prizes, a silent auction, & a raffle!! (904) 2694198 whiteysfishcamp.com DECEMBER 8TH JACKSONVILLE UGLY SWEATER BAR CRAWL The nation’s oldest and original Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl will be taking place in Jacksonville Beach on Saturday, from 5pm2am! The crawl, which includes 12 of the beaches favorite bars and restaurants, will include a night of fun, dancing, and philanthropy. In addition to the bar crawl, tickets include access to the Silent Disco which will be taking place all night! DEC 8 -DEC 10 25TH ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE B&B HOLIDAY TOUR

5pm. Tour over 20 B&Bs, on Saturday & Sunday afternoons, in Historic St. Augustine as you enjoy the tastings from local eateries, all in the holiday spirit! DECEMBER 14TH THE NUTCRACKER UNF Lazzara Performance Hall. A beautiful performance showing the story of the nutcracker in depth. floridaballet.myboxoffice. us DECEMBER 15TH HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT THE AVENUES. A wonderful Holiday Shopping Adventure for everyone. Over 50 vendors, prize wheel, giveaways, and more ! 106pm (904) 363-3054 DECEMBER 15TH COOKIES WITH SANTA 5pm to 9pm You are invited to have cookies with Santa, sponsored by the Friends of Ravine Gardens State Park, on Saturday December 15, 2018. Bring the kids out to enjoy tasty cookies and have a family photo taken with Santa! Santa will be available for 2 sessions. Session one will be from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Session two will be from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Seating is limited and reservations are highly recommended, but not required. https://www.floridastateparks. org/ DECEMBER 20TH CHRISTMAS PARTY COMEDY CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE. Dinner, drinks, party and show. One drink & appetizer included

with each ticket. Tickets $10. www.jacksonvillecomedy.com DECEMBER 20TH RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER THE MUSICAL The florida Theatre. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer The Musical brings the classical holiday movie to life on stage. Characters are designed to look like the stop motion we all grew up on. This show is great for the entire family! www.jacksonvilletheater.com DECEMBER 21ST RUN SANTA RUN 5K 6pm-9pm. Santa suit for all participants to wear during the run. Christmas lights, decorations, and music along the course. Candy Cane station. Hershey Kiss Station. . Cookie Station. Custom Santa finisher medals to all participants (Santa’s nose light up on this medal) Hot chocolate All participants also get a Santa sack as their race packet!

DECEMBER 21ST A CHRISTMAS CAROL Times Union Center For Performing Arts A wonderful show at the Theatre to go see with the whole family! https://centerjacksonville.com/

Nights of Lights November 17th through February 3rd

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Special Events Make

Nights of Lights

Photo and calendar by Florida's Historic Coast

Shine Even Brighter The 25th Annual Nights of Lights Holiday Spectacular Features Dozens of Brilliant Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season St. Augustine, Fla. (November 20, 2018) - St. Augustine's sensational Nights of Lights holiday display has been illuminating the Nation's Oldest City for 25 years. This year Nights of Lights takes place now through February 3, 2019. During Nights of Lights, white lights glow from the sidewalks to the rooftops, over the Bridge of Lions and trail through approximately 20 city blocks in St. Augustine's Historic District. Nights of Lights has been described as an umbrella event under which many, many other events organized by myriad of organizations take place. You could say that Nights of Lights is the Christmas tree and the many events are the ornaments. When planning a trip to St. Augustine to view the brilliant award-winning light display, keep these popular events in mind. December 1 Christmas Parade St. Augustine's annual Christmas Parade starts at 9 a.m. by the Mission Nombre de Dios off San Marco Avenue and continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine. December 1 Miracles: Messiah Favorites and Carols of Mystery at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall The University of North Florida Chorale and Chamber Singers present Miracles: Messiah Favorites and Carols of Mystery. www. pvconcerthall.com December 1 Palm Valley Boat Parade The Palm Valley Boat Parade takes place in Ponte Vedra Beach through seven miles of the Intracoastal in Palm Valley beginning at 6 p.m. www.palmvalleyboatparade.com December 5 Luminary Night Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is a family friendly tradition from 6-9 p.m. with activities for all ages, visits with Santa, yuletide refreshments and the lighthouse's spectacular holiday decorations and lighting displays. www. staugustinelighthouse.org December 5 Orchestral Sounds

of the Season 2018 St. Augustine Orchestra's "December to Remember" features a series of performances. www.staugustineorchestra.org

The 70-member St. Augustine Community Band with members ranging in age from 16-80 will perform a holiday concert at Pacetti Bay Middle School at 7:30 p.m. www.staugband.org

December 8 Firefighter Chili Cook Off The annual Firefighter Chili Cook Off at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre takes place 2-6 p.m. Admission is free, and chili sample tickets are available for a small fee. www.facebook.com/ safdfirefighters

December 14-15 Apex Theatre Studio Presents A Christmas Story at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall The Apex Theatre Studio will present A Christmas Story, a full-length comedy based on the beloved film at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. www.pvconcerthall.com

December 8 Holiday Regatta of Lights This annual holiday parade of motorized decorated with brilliant lighted displays begins at 6 p.m. The boats will light up St. Augustine's Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. www. staugustineyachtclub.com December 8 Castillo Holiday Open House The Castillo de San Marcos opens its doors for this St. Augustine holiday tradition. Explore the Castillo by lantern light, interact with staff and volunteers dressed to represent the more than 300 years of Castillo history from 6-8 p.m. www.nps.gov/casa December 9 St. Augustine Makers Festâ&#x201E;˘ at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Makers Fest takes place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with works of 40 regional artists and artisans for sale, educational workshops, authentic artisan foods, craft beers and live performances. www. staugustinemakersfest.org December 14 Gamble Rogers Music Festival Holiday Faire The Gamble Roger Music Festival at the Colonial Oak Music Park features live holiday music, caroling, and holiday gifts and crafts from 7-10 p.m. gamblerogersfest@gmail.com www.gamblerogersfest.org December 14 St. Augustine Community Band Holiday Concert

December 15 The Posadas of Old St. Augustine For more than 400 years, the colonial Hispanic Christmas tradition of Las Posadas has been celebrated by processions throughout the New World. Florida Living History's volunteers will present this nighttime, candle-lit heritage event set in the year 1580 from 7-8 p.m. including a Candlelight Procession along St. George Street in historic downtown St. Augustine. info@floridalivinghistory.org www. floridalivinghistory.org December 28 North Florida Women's Chorale Concert The North Florida Women's Chorale presents its annual Christmas performance at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. www. womenschorale.org December 31 Beach Blast Off This annual New Year's Eve fireworks display and entertainment at St. Johns County Pier Park features family friendly activities, including a kid's zone, photo booth, food vendors and live music. The event is from 5-10 p.m., and the fireworks display is at 8:30 p.m. www.sabevents.com Along with hundreds of events during Nights of Lights, many local attractions offer special Nights of Lights tours. A list of the many tours and events can be viewed in the online calendar on www.NightsofLights.com

For more information about events, tours and deals in St. Augustine during Nights of Lights visit www.NightsofLights.com.

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The Basics of Backyard Bird Feeding

Nature Lovers

Will Sing with Joy about This Holiday Season’s Sensational Products! Gift Ideas from Wild Birds Unlimited in St. Johns & Jacksonville. The Leader in Backyard Bird Feeding Unveils the Perfect Gifts for Nature Lovers This Holiday Season With more than 30 years of research and experience, Wild Birds Unlimited of St. Johns and Jacksonville Beach is part of the largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores, is proud to offer the most advanced bird feeding products available on the market. With holiday shopping season here Wild Birds Unlimited can help you find the perfect gift for the nature lovers on your list. Returning for the season are the adorable Bird Seed Cylinders; Preston the Penguin, Buttons the Snowman and a year-round favorite Hoot the Owl. New, joining this cast of characters is Rascal the Raccoon. Seed cylinders are designed to attract multiple species of birds to any backyard. Seed cylinders are packed with seeds and fruit which provide critical fats and proteins birds need to survive cold winter nights. Rather than loose seed that gets carried away to a nearby branch, opened, con-

sumed and unseen; the birds cling to a seed cylinder and eat to their hearts' content. Bird Seed Cylinders are a fantastic way to introduce children to the hobby of bird feeding and make a great stocking stuffer. Squirrels and Other Pesky Critters Are No Reason to Stop Feeding the Birds Songbirds and squirrels critters have similar tastes in food, so it’s no surprise that they are constant companions to backyard bird feeding. However, there are a variety of ways people can feed and enjoy the birds, even when there are squirrels around. With our newest offering of “hot pepper” seeds, suets and treats, we can help keep the birds fed and the critters – including raccoons - not so much. Said Brian Bidwell owner of Wild Birds Unlimited of St. Johns and Jacksonville Beach “We are committed to offering customers the best quality bird seed, bird feeders and accessories. By using the most advanced technology and best food in town, we can provide customers with the ultimate backyard bird feeding experience.”

by Brian Bidwell, Owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in St. Johns & Jacksonville.

The average backyard may be visited regularly by 15 to 20 different bird species. However, a bird-friendly yard can attract up to 60 or more different species. To attract the greatest number of bird species, just provide at least one of each of these habitat elements: food, water, cover and places to raise their young.

Food

Attracting a variety of birds requires a variety of foods. Offering a fresh seed blend including black oil sunflower, safflower and peanuts is the best way to entice birds to your yard. Seeds high in fat are especially essential this time of year and in the spring nesting season. Tree nuts and fruit in the seed blend help attract migrating birds right now!

Water

Birds need water just as much as they need food. Their high metabolic rate and respiratory system drains moisture from their bodies quickly. However, birds use water for more than just a thirst quencher; they also use it for bathing and preening their feathers. Clean feathers are important for birds’ health and optimum flying ability.

Cover

Birds need protective cover for times of rest, social interaction and as a retreat from foul weather and predators. Plants that are native to our soil and climate provide the best overall food sources for wildlife and support from 10 to 50 times more native wildlife than exotic (or non-native) plants.

A Place to Raise Their Young

The same plantings that provide shelter can provide safe areas for many bird species to mate, build nests and raise their families. But with the increased loss of natural habitat, cavitynesting birds lack appropriate sites to nest. By providing bird houses, you will encourage birds to raise their young in your backyard. Nesting boxes that are up now will also give birds a place to roost and escape cold winter nights.

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A Message From The Vet

With Dr. Kathleen Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital

Spotlight on

FELINE ASTHMA

Coughing, wheezing, exercise intolerance, airway constriction, and sometimes needing a rescue inhaler: these are symptoms of asthma that are familiar to many of us, either from a loved one or friend’s experience, or even our own experience. Asthma is very common in people, but did you know that cats can have asthma too? Asthma is defined as an inflammatory process that causes recurring respiratory compromise that features the constriction of the airways. Physiologically, anatomically, and clinically, feline asthma and human asthma are very similar, and they can occur at any age. Acute asthma attacks can happen spontaneously or from an allergy and can be lifethreatening if not treated immediately. In cats, sometimes symptoms are mild, and it may go unnoticed for some time. Cats may have a low-grade chronic cough or exercise intolerance that may not cause immediate alarm. But when they are having a crisis, it’s usually very distinctive. Cats will breathe through an open mouth, have a rapid respiratory rate, and usually have a strong abdominal component to their breathing, as the abdomen has to work really hard to push air out. Cats who are demonstrating any of these acute signs should always be considered an emergency and taken to your vet or an after-hours emergency clinic right away. It’s important to know that acute asthma symptoms can also mimic a cardiac crisis, so heart disease is always something veterinarians are thinking about when making a diagnosis. Chest xrays are very helpful

in sorting it out, because they help us see the anatomical changes that can occur with both diseases. Occasionally, cats with asthma will have normal xrays, so diagnosis can be a challenge. Sometimes the only way to know for sure if it is asthma is to treat for it; cats will almost always quickly respond to the treatments. Just like in people, cats with asthma are treated with bronchodilators to help expand the airways, antihistamines, and steroids to help calm the inflammation. They can be given in pill form, injection form, or from an inhaler. Typically, these medications can reverse a crisis within 15 minutes. Because the underlying problem with asthma is inflammation, often long-term steroids are used in either oral or inhaled form, with rescue medications kept on hand for times of flare ups. There are several brands of cat-friendly inhaler chambers that make it easy to give the medication. If you suspect your cat has asthma, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible to get a definitive diagnosis. At home, try to minimize the irritants in the air that can cause asthma symptoms: don’t smoke in the house or around your cat, use dust-free kitty litter, replace air filters frequently, minimize the usage of scented candles, air fresheners, heavily scented detergents, and don’t use chemical insecticides in the home. Although dogs can also have some chronic respiratory issues, asthma does not seem to be a natural clinical entity that occurs in them, but please see your veterinarian if you have concerns!

Merry Christmas from our Family to Yours!

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