St. Johns Magazine April 2024

ST. JOHNS

Photo by Ozzy Travino Photography

©2012-2024

Dear Readers

Please enjoy our April issue featuring the locally owned Closet Factory , as we explore a recent project and learn why they are known for their ability to transforming spaces in your home with beauty and function.

Parents will want to review our helpful Summer Camp guide (in print and online) with information about the most popular Summer camps in Northern St. Johns.

Meet the Honorees from the Nocatee Rotary Club First Responders awards ceremony. Plan a trip to an exciting new destination with Eric Wolf. As always, enjoy our April Fun Guide.

Sincerely,

CLOSET FACTORY

A Closet Design Story

JILL & SIERRA FLORES

Closet Factory Jacksonville is owned by the Flores family and led by Jill and Sierra Flores, who oversee a team of in-house designers, carpenters, and installers. The company specializes in custom design and installation of just about everything related to home organization and decor. While their main business is designing closets they also install pantries, laundry rooms, home offices, entertainment centers, playrooms, wine rooms, and garages. The ultimate goal is to create solutions for clients that are both beautiful and functional, and fit the needs of each homeowner. From replacing builder-grade wire shelving to updating your home office, or laundry room, the Closet Factory team is incredible at what they do.

AFTER

A RECENT PROJECT

In this month’s issue, Jill and Sierra will focus on a recent project, breaking down the Closet Factory process from beginning to end, showcasing their attention to detail, ability to customize, and the high-quality finished product (Like this one on the left) for w they are known and why clients love working with them.

Photos by Ozzy Trevino Photography

PROJECT GOALS

WHAT WAS THE GOAL OF THE PROJECT?

The goal for this closet was to transform an entire room into a closet achieving both beauty and functionality simultaneously. The aim was to utilize all available space effectively, ensuring that every inch was maximized to its full potential. This involved careful planning and design to create a closet that not only looked aesthetically pleasing but also provided efficient storage solutions for their needs.

WHAT WERE THE MAIN STEPS INVOLVED?

Creating a closet design involves several key steps to ensure that it meets the homeowner’s needs and preferences. Here is a breakdown of the process:

Measure the Space: The first step is to accurately measure the dimensions of the room. This not only includes measuring, but also taking into account any architectural features such as windows, doors and angled walls.

Consultation with the Homeowner: We met with the homeowner to discuss their personal inventory and storage needs This involves what type of clothing, accessories and other items they have, as well as specific preferences or requirements they may have for the closet layout and organization.

3D DESIGN

DESIGN COLLABORATION &

PRODUCTION = SOLUTIONS

Design Creation: Based on the measurements and the homeowner’s input, we created a closet design that maximizes the available space while also addressing their storage needs and style preferences.

Collaboration with Homeowner: We work side by side with the homeowner through presentation of the layout to ensure that it met all of their needs within this space.

Product Ordering: Once the closet design was finalized, we order the necessary products and materials to bring the design to life. This includes manufacturing the materials, ordering the materials and accessories for this space.

Engineering Review: The finalized drawings are reviewed by our engineering team for final approval prior to being sent to production.

Production: After receiving engineering approval, the production team cut all of the necessary materials on-site at our Jacksonville Location. All of our projects are custom built right here in Jacksonville, tailored to our client’s needs.

Installation: Once the production has been completed, the final piece of the puzzle is the installation! A professional installation team will assemble and install the closet according to the approved design, ensuring that it fits seamlessly into the space and functions as intended.

HOW DID YOU HELP THE CLIENT VISUALIZE THE PROJECT? WAS A 3D MODEL PROVIDED?

Walkthrough and Design Review: We took our client on a walk-through of the space while reviewing the design on the computer. This allowed them to get a feel for the layout in the space and understand how the closet will be organized upon completion.

Measurement and Tape Layout: We often use tape on the floor to outline the components of the closet to help our clients visualize how it will look upon completion.

Island Placement: We outlined where the island will be placed so the client could visualize it’s location within the space.

3D Rendering: After the walkthrough and tape layout, we provided the client with a 3D rendering of the finalized closet design.

“This digital visualization allows clients to see a realistic representation of the closet layout, including the placement of furniture, storage components and accessories. This helps our clients to visualize the finished product and make any final adjustments or refinements before proceeding with production and installation.”

FINAL STEPS

By combining these hands-on visualization techniques with digital 3D renderings, we can provide our clients with a comprehensive understanding of the project, ensuring that their needs and preferences are met every step of the way. This approach enhances the communication and collaboration, resulting in a successful outcome for their project.

HOW WAS THE PROJECT CUSTOMIZED TO FIT THE NEEDS OF YOUR CLIENT?

This project had many areas of customization based on the roofline for this room. Accurate measurements were crucial to ensure that the stacked system fit seamlessly against the angled walls and reached the ceiling in certain sections based on preferred design. Materials had to be built at custom sizes to fit the size of the room. There were many varying heights for the ceiling, and this was a main consideration when designing the space. We were also working with meeting the needs for their luggage storage, which resulted in customizing a section to fit this need.

Our client wanted a custom stacked system with glass doors as a focal point to give it the “wow” factor! We created a “focal point” in the room to capture the “wow” factor they were seeking!

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES? WHAT WERE THE SOLUTIONS?

Angled Walls: The challenge was the angle of the walls. Accurate measurements were crucial in this design. Not only were we working on angled walls, but the client was looking for a stacked system to increase the height of the units. The solution was to ensure the accurate measurements (we have our operations team come in for a re-measure to make sure the measurements are precise).

The “wow” factor was a must in this closet. With the layout of this space, that was a challenge. We were able to provide a focal point in the closet that addressed the “wow” factor and provided the client with the look they were striving for!

HOW LONG DID THE PROJECT TAKE TO COMPLETE (FROM THE INITIAL MEETING TO FINAL INSTALLATION)?

The completion of the project was approximately 6 weeks from design to installation. This timeframe took 3 days to solidify the design and finalize plans, followed by the actual implementation and construction process. The installation process took 4 days to complete, once started.

*The timeframe for a project will vary depending on factors such as material selection, complexity of design, and the current status of the house or space undergoing renovations.

With a long career in real estate and property management, Jill oversees the business side at Closet Factory

“Achieving a satisfying result for the client, where all of their wants and needs are addressed reflects the success of the project. The client was satisfied, as it was not only beautiful, but functional and fit their needs perfectly!”

Sierra is the lead designer overseeing the team at Closet Factory

PAVING A WAY for Families

ROTARY HEROES

Nocatee First Responders Receive Rotary Hero Awards!

The Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra (Nocatee) along with its Presenting Sponsor, IQ Fiber, honored first responders for service during the past year; to St. Johns County 2023 Firefighter of the Year Lieutenant Nyani Mattison from Station #18 in Nocatee and to St. John County Sheriff’s Office 2023 Deputy of the Year, Detective Robert Forrest. The Third Annual Rotary Heroes Awards event was also presented by the Ponte Vedra Rotary Foundation, the club’s charitable arm.

The awards were given in recognition of excellence in Vocational Service which is one of Rotary’s foundational values. In addition to the many Rotarians, family, and friends of the honorees who attended the event at Crosswater Hall at Nocatee, Sheriff Rob Hardwick and his wife Kendell were in attendance as was St. Johns County Fire Acting Fire Chief Sean McGee. Members from the command staff of both agencies, IQ Fiber executives, fellow co-workers of the Heroes, and invited guests participated in the celebration. Firefighter of the Year Lt. Nyani Mattison, who was introduced by the IQ Fiber Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer Kim Smithers, shared that the Lieutenant was an eighteen-year veteran of SJCFR and that she knew since age eleven that she wanted to be a firefighter. She also mentioned that Lt. Mattison’s father was a firefighter with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

When asked about her personal mission as a firefighter, Lt. Mattison said: “I want to respond to every call, every single day, the best I can. I want to be a mentor and example to the people around me.”

Captain Shawn Vitori, who nominated Lt. Mattison for this award, said: “Lt. Mattison is a valuable member of the department. She demonstrates the utmost highest example of integrity in her profession and she is intensely dedicated to mentoring new recruits.”

Lt. Mattison obtained her Managing Fire Officer Certification from the National Fire Academy. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Flagler College. Deputy of the Year Detective Robert Forrest was introduced by his former supervisor, Sergeant Stacci Sastre, who nominated him for this award. Sergeant Sastre was Rotary’s 2021 Deputy of the Year. Sergeant Sastre shared that Detective Forrest has been with the St. Johns Sheriff’s Office since 2020

and moved to the Major Crimes Division as a Detective at the end of 2023. When asked what inspired him to go into law enforcement,

Detective Forrest said: “It is an honorable profession and I chose this path to help others, especially those who cannot help themselves.” Sergeant Sastre said, “He takes great pride in being a law enforcement officer and he treats people with tremendous respect. He is a perfect example of a servant leader.”

Forrest has a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s in Forensic Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Kelly Altosino-Sastre, Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Charter President and Chair of the Rotary Heroes Awards committee said:

“These Rotary Heroes are truly inspiring and we are so fortunate to have them as part of the fabric of our community. They have continually demonstrated Service Above Self throughout their careers and this is Rotary’s motto. It is fitting that they receive the Rotary Heroes Awards.” She added, “We are beyond grateful to IQ Fiber, our community partner for being the Presenting Sponsor of this event.”

In addition to the plaques and Rotary International Challenge Coins presented to the Heroes, a donation was made to Fire Fighters for Families, in honor of Lt. Mattison, and a donation was made to the Officer Down Memorial Page in honor of Detective Forrest. These are charities close to their hearts. In addition to presenting sponsor IQ Fiber, additional sponsors for the event include VyStar Credit Union, Publix, Starbucks in Nocatee Town Center, Art and Alex, and The Doughnut Peddler. The Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra, chartered in April of 2018, is one of 67 Rotary Clubs in North Florida that comprise Rotary District 6970. The club meets on Tuesday mornings at 7:15 a.m. at Treylor Park Restaurant in Nocatee Town Center. The Ponte Vedra Rotary Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is the charitable arm of the club. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. For information: pontevedrarotary@gmail.com.

Rotary Heroes Chair, Kelly Altosino-Sastre, Ponte Vedra Rotary Club President Josh Hull, 2023 Rotary Hero Detective Robert Forrest, 2023 Rotary Hero Lieutenant Nyani Caruso Mattison, Kim Smithers, IQ Fiber Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, and Ponte Vedra Rotary Foundation Chair, Bob Wiltfong

St. Johns County Fire Rescue: Battalion Chief Doug Shatzel, Communications Chief Jeremy Robshaw, Captain Shawn Vitori, Lieutenant Nyani Mattison, Acting Fire Chief Sean McGee, and Fire Marshal, Chief Rob Dowling.

St. Johns Sheriff’s Office: Lt. Andy Thornton. Detective Graham Brown, Sgt. James Jackson, Rotary Hero Detective Forrest, Sheriff Hardwick, Kendell Hardwick, Cpl. Ryan Wallace, Sgt. Stacci Sastre, Director Skip Cole

Durbin,

LANDSCAPE DESIG N

2D & 3D DESIG N

PLANTING/ SOFTSCAPE S

OUTDOOR LIVIN G

HARDSCAPE S

HARDSCAPE S

OUTDOOR LIVIN G

PLANTING/ SOFTSCAPE S

PERGOLA S

PERGOLA S

FIRE FEATURE S

FIRE FEATURE S

LIGHTIN G

WATER FEATURE S

LIGHTIN G

IRRIGATIO N

IRRIGATIO N

WATER FEATURE S

Adventure Awaits

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS TO STRESS-FREE TRAVEL

by Eric Wolf, Impeccable Journeys Travel Services

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. Whether you're embarking on a weekend getaway or a month-long expedition, these t op ten travel tips will help ensure your journey is smooth, enjoy able, and hasslefree.

1. Plan Ahead: Research your destination thoroughly before you go. Familiarize yourself with local customs, transp ortation options, currency exchange rates, and any necessary travel documents. Planning ahead will help you navigate your destination with confidence.

2. Pack Light: Resist the urge to overpack. Stick to the essentials and pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Remember, you can always do laundry or purchase items you need along the way.

3. Stay Organized: Invest in quality luggage and packing organizers to keep your belongings neat and easily accessible. Utilize packing cubes, compression bags, and travel organizers to maximize space and minimize clutter.

4. Stay Connected: Make sure your phone and other electronic devices are fully charged before you leave. Conside r investing in a portable charger or power bank to keep your devices powered up while you're on the go. Additionally, research your phone providers' affordable international plan options to stay connected abroad.

5. Be Flexible: Travel plans don't always go as expected, so be prepared to adapt and go with the flow. Embrace unexpected detours and changes in itinerary as part of the adventure.

6. Stay Safe: Prioritize your safety while traveling. Be aware o f your surroundings, avoid risky situations, and trus t your instincts. Keep important documents such as your passport and travel insurance information secure at all times.

7. Budget Wisely: Create a travel budget and stick to it. Keep track of your expenses and look for ways to save money, s uch as opting for public transportation, cooking your meals, or s taying in budget accommodations.

8. Stay Healthy: Maintain good hygiene practices while traveling, including washing your hands regularly and staying hydrated. Pack any necessary medications and a basic first aid kit . Remember to also get adequate rest to keep your energy levels u p during your travels.

9. Learn Some Local Phrases: Even basic knowledge of the local language can go a long way in making connections and navigating your destination. Learn a few key phrases such as g reetings, please, and thank you to show respect for the local culture .

10. Embrace the Experience: Above all, remember to enjoy the journey. Take time to savor new experiences, immers e yourself in the local culture, and create lasting memories. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude, and you're sure to have an unf orgettable travel adventure.

By following these top ten travel tips, you can mak e the most of your journey and create memories that will last a lifeti me. Bon voyage!

ST. JOHNS

SUMMER CAMPS

ST JOHNS COUNTY 4-H

Registration is now open for the St. Johns County 4-H Summer Day camps starting on March 15th. Camps are for ages 5-18, (age as of September 1, 2023). Archery, sewing, science and gardening are just a few of the camp topics that will be offered. To register or find out more information about the summer day camps go to: www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/stjohns/4-hyouth-development/4-h-events-and-activities

4-H is a youth development program that enables youth to develop life skills, leadership and citizenship. . Youth members ages 5-18, as of September 1st, 2024 interested in joining a 4H Club can enroll in the St. Johns County 4-H program ONLINE on August 1st by going to www.florida.4honline.com . Please contact the 4-H Office at 904 209-0430 for more information. The St. Johns County 4-H Program is an equal opportunity institution.

First Coast YMCA

Summer is a critical out-of-school time when children benefit from enriched learning and unique adventures. That’s why YMCA camps offer activities that engage both the body and mind. Our goals are to eliminate summer learning loss, nurture self-confidence and sound values, and encourage healthy lifestyle habits. Plus, children make new friends along the way. Campers identified as non-swimmers or poor swimmers receive free lessons throughout the summer. The Y also offers financial assistance to ensure that all kids get the chance to experience camp. Visit FirstCoastYMCA.org or call 904.265.1775 for more details

BeatPac

WE ARE ON FOR BEATPAC 2024!

DATES: JUNE 17TH-21ST, JUNE 24TH-28TH!

MONDAY-THURSDAY OF BEATPAC WILL BE HELD AT CREEKSIDE HIGH SCHOOL. FRIDAYS WILL BE HELD AT SAN JUAN DEL RIO.

BeaTPAC is a performing arts summer camp created with the purpose of enriching and encouraging cultural development in St. Johns County. The staff is comprised of an energetic and talented group of instructors, counselors, and support staff. was founded in 2005 as a senior project. With the guidance and leadership of Ava, Leia, and Juliet Fixel the project turned into the BeaTPAC we all know and love today. The first year of BeaTPAC had 20 campers broken into two age groups. We have seen many instructors and counselors come and go but with the unending passion of the Fixels BeaTPAC now has almost 200 campers that are broken up into seven age groups. For members of the BeaTPAC Family, BeaTPAC is indeed the highlight of their summer. For information visit www.beatpac.com

St. Augustine Art Association

Join the St. Augustine Art Association for this year’s Summer Art Camps! Students will explore a variety of mediums and techniques to encourage art appreciation and critical thinking, as well as allow students to experiment with their own creativity. $175 per weekly session (includes supplies.) Space is limited.. Students should bring their own snacks and drinks. For more information visit www.staaa.org/summer-art-camp/

SESSIONS:

Mixed Media Magic - June 10 - 14 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Sketchbook Studio - June 17 - 21 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Lights, Camera, Click! - June 24 - 28 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

GROWTH MINDSET

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS EXPANDING IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY

By Chuck Steinfurth Vice President of Out of School Time, First Coast YMCA

It’s no secret that St. Johns County continues to land on lists of not only the fastest growing counties in the state, but the entire country. The word is out about the benefits of living here and families are arriving daily, with their U-Hauls and moving vans in tow. It’s our responsibility at the First Coast YMCA to meet the growing needs of the community, and that includes offering opportunities for youth to grow through our annual summer camps.

This year, we’re expanding the number of locations we’re offering camp at, as we know just how important it is for youth to have a positive experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. What’s been equally as rewarding is seeing the impact camp has on the counselors. I can relate because 23 years ago, that was my first professional touchpoint with the YMCA. That experience left such an impression on me that I continued to come back year after year and eventually turned it in to a career.

What’s unique about our camp counselors is the mix of ages that we have working at our camps. We obviously have high school and college-age students who serve as counselors, including some who were campers themselves not too long ago. That’s really special to see them not only develop lifelong skills that will help them in the future, but keep that cycle going of former campers who know just how special this opportunity is. We also have a range of adult counselors, ranging in age from their early 30s to near retirement,

because they too want to serve the next generation in our community.

We take that responsibility of empowering our youth very seriously, as they represent such a critical population in the overall health and growth of our community. The lessons and activities we engage in during summer camp promote positive development physically, emotionally, academically, and socially, as we believe in a holistic approach to healthy living.

Our counselors are a direct reflection of that and seeing the connections between them and campers, especially if they both return year after year, is truly remarkable. Kids never forget how you made them feel. They may not say it in the moment, but they’ll remember the positive impact summer camp had on them and the people who made it happen. Because this area continues to grow seemingly by the minute, we’re always looking for passionate people who are interested in working as a counselor at summer camp. If you want to give back to your community and have a positive impact on local youth, feel free to visit one of our branches or visit us online at fcymca.org/programs/camp. And if you’ve already signed up your child for camp this year, from all of us who are fortunate to work summer camps, thank you. It’s an honor to be a part of developing the next generation here in St. John’s County.

APRIL 2024

FUN GUIDE

Saturdays & Sundays

FREE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

Explore St. Augustine's unique history with a licensed professional guide on this free one-hour walking tour, centered around downtown's historic city plaza area. From the struggles of our nation's first colonial settlers to the glories of Henry Flagler and the Gilded Age, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and up to our 450th anniversary, this tour is an excellent introduction to the ancient city from its early beginnings to now. Tours depart from the City Walks & Tour St. Augustine office every Saturday & Sunday at 11 a.m. Space is limited to first come first serve, and advance reservations are required. 4 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904-825-0087 www. StAugustineCityWalks.com

April 4th & 17th WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Enjoy a fun and educational hike through Anastasia State Park! Participants will discover an assortment of flora and fauna that populate the several ecosystems of Anastasia, and increase their knowledge of the history of the park and the surrounding area. Meet in front of the Island Beach Shop & Grill at the end of the main park road. Suggested items to bring are binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, a reusable water bottle, bug spray, and sunscreen. Program is weather permitting and subject to

cancellation. The program is free with regular park admission, which ranges from $8-$2. 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine. 904-461-2033 www. floridastateparks.org/anastasia

April 4th BLUE DOGS TRIO

Live performance from 8-10 p.m. at The Orignial Cafe Eleven. Tickets are $20 advance General Admission Open Seating / $25 day of show or $30 Reserved Table Seating. 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine. 904-460-9311

www.originalcafe11.com

April 4th to May 16th TOM NAGATA; FLORA AND FAUNA EAST TO WEST

Embark on a visual journey with Tom Nagata's "Flora and Fauna, East to West" exhibition at the First Coast Cultural Center. Renowned for his unique fusion of Hawaiian and Japanese artistic influences, Nagata paints with inspiration from these rich cultural backgrounds. Gallery Hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., admission is free. 6000 Sawgrass Village Cir., Ste B, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-280-0614, ext. 1205 www.firstcoastculturalcenter. org/programs-events/upcomingexhibitions

April

5th FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK ST. AUGUSTINE

From 5-9 p.m. for new exhibits,

refreshments and live music at many participating galleries. Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org/ art-galleries-of-st-augustine

April 5th to 28th ST. JOHNS ALL COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SHOW

Students in grades 6-8 display their work in this colorful exhibit. A community outreach partnership with St. Johns County Schools. View the exhibit Tuesdays through Sundays, noon-4 p.m. Admission is free. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. www.staaa.org

April

5th to 28th SPRING

MEMBERS SHOW

This bi-annual exhibit of STAAA members features a variety of works by emerging, seasoned and professional artists. The artworks encompass a variety of styles, mediums and subjects. View the exhibit Tuesdays through Sundays, noon-4 p.m. Admission is free. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. www.staaa.org

April 6 AT 8 AM SAMARA LAKES SPRING COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE.

Samara Lakes ·World Golf

April 6th & 7th LIONS SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Enjoy boatloads of seafood delicacies, entertainment and 100 artisans for two days of food and fun including a musical lineup featuring regional favorites. Admission to the festival is $10 for adults and free for youth ages 12 and under. The festival takes place at Francis Field. The hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 25 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www. lionsfestival.com

April 12th to 14th

GAMBLE ROGERS FOLK FESTIVAL

Join Gamble Rogers this spring for a fun festival featuring four stages, camping, food trucks, local artisans, vendors, and more all at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds! Headlining the festival is AJ Lee & Blue Summit and the John Jorgenson Quintet, with supporting acts including Verlon Thompson, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, Remedy Tree, The Krickets, Red and Christopher Henry & Their All-Star Band, Wyatt Ellis, and more.. 5840 S.R. 207, Elkton. www. gamblerogersfest.org

April 13th

FAMILY SEINING AT GTM RESERVE

Hosted by the GTM Research Reserve, you’re invited to join docents from 9-11 a.m. to learn how to pull a seine net. Participants will collect fish and crabs as well as learn about their habitats and role in the environment. Waders and boots provided. The program is included with regular admission to the reserve and takes place in the Environmental Education Center. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-380-8600 www.gtmnerr.org

April 20th

VILANO BEACH ARTISAN MARKET

The Vilano Beach Market Walk

takes place from 4-8 p.m. along the sidewalks near the Vilano Beach Pier. Local artisan-made items, plants, home décor, datil pepper sauces, and much more. Free parking and admission. Vilano Beach Pier, 260 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. www.vilanobeachfl.com

April 20th & 21st SPRING SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL

THE BRYER PATCH,5700 SW 250th Street , Newberry, FL, United States, Florida 32669. 10:00am-5:00pm both days. $12 admission fee per person. 2 & under are free. Military discount available. Large sunflower field. U-pick flower patches (sunflowers, zinnias and wildflowers).Hayride. Barrel Train rid. Farm animal petting and feeding (feed available for purchase). Access to play paddock which includes, sand pit, bball hoops, climbing tires, swing sets, corn bin and more.Corn hole. Live music (1-4pm) Access to food and non-food vendors. Friendly reminder we are a farm so please be prepared for dirt, bugs, sun, uneven terrain, etc. Closedtoe shoes highly recommended. Please no pets.

April 24th to 28th PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT

Participate in the St. Augustine Art Association’s St. Augustine Plein Air Paint Out, a community-wide plein air event celebrating the area’s history. Registration is available online. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org/plein-air-paint-out

April 27th ROSCOLUSA SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL-NOCATEE

At this festival, songwriters from

Nashville perform and share the stories behind their songs. Enjoy an evening of popular music. Plus, there will be local food trucks and vendors. The event will also have a Kids Corner. The show is from 5-10 p.m., and gates open at 4 p.m. at Nocatee. General admission is $25. VIP tickets are available for $100. 232 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra. www.roscolusa.com

April 27th

JAX BEACH SANDCASTLE CONTEST.

Get ready to dig in, unleash your inner artist, and transform the beach into a gallery of epic sandcastles on April 27th. For program information visit: www.jacksonvillebeach.org/627/ Sandcastle-Contes

April 27th to 28th

JAX GROOVE FEST

Jacksonville Equestrian Center. It’s gonna be a far-out journey that you just can’t miss. We’re all about embracing your inner flower child and spreading those groovy vibes from a time that totally changed the world. Peace, love, and good times await! Live Tunes: Tune in for some righteous jams and melodies straight outta the golden era. Band roster includes Tributes to Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and much more! Art Car Show: Behold a spectacle of wild ART Cars, capturing the free-spirited artistry of the 60s and 70s. & MORE. Due to the crowd size and limited parking, So, make sure you lock in your spot! Peace, love, and grooviness, baby! Tickets:https:// www.freshtix.com/events/ groovefestjax. Gates open at 12PM. No outside food and drink allowed

PETS R FAMILY

FULL-SERVICE VETERINARY CARE, BOARDING, & GROOMING

HOSPITAL SERVICES

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.

• 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

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

VETS N TRAINING

Does your child love animals?

Our Vets N Training program gives kids from kindergarten to fifth grade the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work at a veterinary hospital and to learn all about the veterinary industry. Space is limited, so scan the QR code to sign up today!

www.petsrfamilyvet.com

A Message From The Vet

by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family

If your pet is scooting its rear across the floor, licking his bum non-stop, or there’s something leaking from your pet’s behind, chances are there’s an anal gland to blame.

What are anal glands?

Anal glands are found in all dogs and cats. They are paired scent glands on either side of the rectum, similar to sweat glands, located in the 5 o’clock and 7 o’clock positions. They produce a liquid which contains pheromones, unique to each animal which helps identify themselves. They are normally emptied when an animal passes a bowel movement or spontaneously under times of stress.

What happens if they don’t empty?

For most animals, nature works as it should and the glands are emptied in the backyard or litter box. Some animals have to have their glands manually expressed because the contents fail to empty and the material becomes dry or the gland becomes inflamed and the duct swells shut. This leads to infection and an abscess can

WHEN YOUR PET DOES THE BOOT-SCOOTIN’ BOOGIE

result. If the area is really inflamed and infected, the veterinarian may need to infuse the gland with a medication. If left untreated, the anal gland can rupture which requires immediate treatment.

Expression of the anal glands can be challenging. They can be done externally in some cases with good efficacy; however that doesn’t always do a sufficient job. Expressing them internally takes a skilled set of hands, and is most often done by the veterinarian or technician. It’s important to know that the odor from the anal glands is unforgettable and has a very fishy odor. If you decide to attempt it at home, you will want to have some cleaning materials ready for cleanup immediately after the process.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent anal gland impaction?

Regular expression of the anal glands will ensure that the glands stay flowing and express any material that is subject to blockage. We typically recommend every 2-3 months in animals with chronic problems. Many people advocate the use of food with increased fiber or supplementing with fiber to help bulk the stools to promote expression

on their own. This can be beneficial for some pets.

If your pet is doing the boot scootin’ boogie, make an appointment with your veterinarian to take care of the problem before it gets worse. They will check the glands and evaluate the expressed material for infection. Realize that after the glands are expressed, the anal glands will fill back up fairly quickly. Once the glands are expressed, if the scooting persists, then the anal glands may not be to blame. Other possibilities include: allergic dermatitis, perianal tumors, rectal tumors or colitis. If your pet has been scooting for a while prior to the anal gland expression, the area around the rectum may be irritated from the chronic scooting and may require some topical therapy. Your veterinarian can help sort out the cause and get your pet on the road to recovery in no time. In rare cases, your pet may need surgery to remove one or both of the glands.